Supply Chain Stories
Supply Chain Stories is a series of recorded interviews with Chief Supply Chain Officers to provide advice, guidance and mentorship to the Supply Chain community.
Laurent Miahle, ex Chief Supply Chain Officer, Orveon Global, Huda Beauty
Sam Berke, Head of Global Supply Chain Search at Pod Talent sat down and spoke with Laurent Miahle, whose career spans leadership roles at Orveon Global, Huda Beauty, Estee Lauder, Coty, Shiseido, Procter & Gamble and more.
Key Themes & Insights
Foundational Lessons
Laurent’s journey began at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he gained hands-on experience in core supply chain processes. His advice to aspiring supply chain leaders is clear: build a strong foundation by mastering the basics. “Understanding the fundamentals, like manufacturing and logistics, is essential for anyone aiming to reach the top of the supply chain profession,” he emphasized.
The Importance of Building Relationships
Laurent highlighted the critical role of collaboration with commercial teams, emphasizing the need to break silos between supply chain and sales. “Effective sales and operations planning (S&OP) is key to aligning sales forecasts with operational capabilities,” he explained. He also recommended visiting markets and engaging directly with retailers to foster empathy and better understand business challenges.
Navigating Cultural Transitions
Laurent shared his experience transitioning from a structured environment at P&G in Europe to a more entrepreneurial role in the U.S. with LVMH. “It was a pivotal moment in my career,” he recalled, noting the freedom and fast-paced environment of the U.S. market as transformative. His ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts, including roles in Asia, was a cornerstone of his success.
Skills for Future Supply Chain Leaders
The supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly, and Laurent identified several critical skills for future leaders:
- End-to-End Visibility: Leaders must understand the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to product delivery at retail shelves.
- Product Knowledge: “Know how your product is made and its journey to the consumer,” he advised, stressing the importance of staying informed to respond to consumer feedback in real time.
- Agility and Adaptability: As cycles shorten and change accelerates, supply chain leaders need to embrace agility.
- AI Integration: Leaders must explore how artificial intelligence can enhance demand forecasting, production efficiency, and speed to market.
Career Advice for Aspiring and Senior Leaders
Laurent offered tailored advice for professionals at different career stages:
- Early Career Professionals: Focus on learning the fundamentals, excel in your role, and be curious about adjacent functions to develop an end-to-end perspective.
- Senior Leaders: Develop executive presence by being a good listener, aligning supply chain strategies with business objectives, and maintaining close collaboration with the CEO.
The Human Side of Leadership
Laurent underscored the importance of HR skills in managing large teams. Recruiting, training, and recognizing talent are pivotal. He also advocated for “managing by walking around” to stay connected to operations, reward excellence, and identify opportunities for improvement.
This interview offers a wealth of insights for supply chain professionals aiming to advance their careers or refine their leadership approach, with actionable advice and stories for those looking to progress their careers.