Supply Chain Stories – Episode 6: Vineet Khanna
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.
Vineet Khanna, ex Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé
Sam Berke, Head of Global Supply Chain Search at Pod Talent spoke with Vineet Khanna, ex Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé about the evolving Supply Chain landscape, how best to prepare for executive leadership, and top advice for early careers.
In our conversation with Vineet Khanna, we explored key insights on leadership, personal growth, and the importance of communication and cross-functional relationships. Vineet shared valuable perspectives on professional development, offering actionable advice for individuals looking to excel in their careers. Here are the highlights of our discussion:
Key Advice from Vineet:
- Cross-Functional Experience is Key – Early-career professionals should seek diverse roles across functions like finance, sales, and manufacturing. This broad perspective builds a strong foundation for leadership.
- Supply Chain Leaders Must Understand Business – Supply chain success depends on understanding finance, sales, and strategy. Leaders who speak the language of business have a competitive edge.
- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain – Supply chain is no longer just operations; it now drives growth, profitability, sustainability, and digital transformation, making it a key player in business strategy.
- The Power of Communication – Effective leadership isn’t just about expertise—it’s about communication, influence, and authenticity. Strong communication skills are critical for career growth.
- AI & the Future of Work – AI is automating knowledge-based tasks, making adaptability, business acumen, and leadership skills more valuable than ever for future supply chain leaders.
Vineet’s advice provides great actionable insights from Entry to Board level, discussing evolving trends, when to take risks and change functions, and how to develop cross-functional expertise.