Inside the Chain - Hosted by Matthew McSharry

About Inside the Chain - Hosted by Matthew McSharry

Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, this show gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

Publisher

Matthew McSharry

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 May 2026

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2026

   S01 E07 How to Build Better Manufacturing Systems | Carl Milbourne

   How do you go from firefighting on the automotive shop floor to building systems that drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites? In this episode of Inside the Chain, Matt McSharry sits down with Carl Milbourne, Group Operations Director at Sertec Group, a multi-site automotive manufacturer with extensive experience across manufacturing, operations, Lean thinking, shop floor management, and continuous improvement. Carl shares how his early years in the old-school automotive “war room” culture shaped his leadership approach and why manufacturing leaders need to move away from blame and firefighting towards systems, data, and permanent corrective action. From managing individual plants to leading operations across multiple sites, he explains how shop floor management, Gemba walks, visual management, and structured problem solving can create stronger and more sustainable manufacturing operations. You'll discover why great operations leaders need to ask “Why?”, how clean data leads to better decisions, why technology should enable processes rather than replace them, and how empowering teams at the right level can reduce firefighting and build a more resilient production system. In this episode, you'll learn: Why manufacturing leaders need to move beyond firefighting How to build production systems that work across multiple sites The importance of Gemba walks and shop floor management Why clean data is essential for effective problem solving How to empower team leaders to solve problems at the right level Why paper and pen still have a place in the Smart Factory How A3 thinking and Six Thinking Hats can improve problem solving How permanent corrective action prevents repeat problems How VAR-style video analysis can identify manufacturing defects Why one-off defects are often caused by weaknesses in the process How lessons learned should feed back into future RFQs Building a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement How visual management supports operational excellence How to identify and manage “Success Prevention Officers” The importance of developing the next generation of manufacturing leaders How leaders can monitor workload and help prevent burnout Whether you're a manufacturing professional, operations manager, plant manager, supply chain leader, Lean practitioner, business executive, or someone looking to develop their leadership career, this episode is packed with practical insights you can take straight to the shop floor. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders. #Manufacturing #OperationsManagement #OperationalExcellence #LeanManufacturing #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #AutomotiveManufacturing #ShopFloorManagement #SmartFactory #SupplyChain #Leadership #LeanManagement #InsideTheChain I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: [www.insight4business.co.uk](http://www.insight4business.co.uk) #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #CarlMilbourne #Manufacturing #OperationsManagement #OperationalExcellence #LeanManufacturing #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #AutomotiveManufacturing #ShopFloorManagement #SmartFactory #SupplyChainManagement Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

2. 

   27 Jul 2026

   S01 E06 From Warehouse Floor to Global Supply Chain Leadership |Anna Medjanskaja

   How do you go from working in a freezing warehouse to leading global operations across multiple countries? In this episode of Inside the Chain, Matt McSharry sits down with Anna, a global operations leader with extensive experience in logistics, warehousing, customs, supply chain management, and business transformation. Anna shares how starting on the warehouse floor shaped her leadership philosophy and why understanding every step of the supply chain is essential for operational excellence. From solving daily operational challenges to leading international transformation projects across the UK, US, Taiwan, and Malaysia, she explains how curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement drive lasting business success. You'll discover why great supply chain leaders ask "Why?", how clean data creates better decisions, why firefighting is often a symptom of poor processes, and how organizations can build stronger teams through trust, visibility, and smarter systems. In this episode, you'll learn: Why every leader should understand the warehouse floor The importance of root cause analysis in supply chain How to reduce firefighting and focus on strategy Building KPI dashboards that teams actually trust Why bad data leads to bad decisions Creating a culture of continuous improvement Leading ERP and digital transformation projects The power of communication across global operations How supply chain connects every department in a business Leadership lessons for future operations executives Whether you're a supply chain professional, operations manager, logistics leader, business executive, or someone looking to grow your leadership career, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders. #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Leadership #Logistics #BusinessTransformation #SupplyChainManagement #ContinuousImprovement #ERP #DigitalTransformation #LeanManagement #WarehouseManagement #OperationalExcellence #BusinessLeadership #Manufacturing #InsideTheChain I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

3. 

   20 Jul 2026

   S01 E05 How AVK Delivers £100M+ Data Center Power Projects | Darby Thomas

   What does supply chain risk look like when you’re not managing a factory or warehouse — but delivering £100M+ data center power projects with 57 generators, 40-week lead times, constrained grid access, and a shortage of skilled labour? In this episode of Inside the Chain, Matt McSharry sits down with Darby Thomas, Operations Director at AVK, to explore the project delivery side of supply chain and resource planning in one of the fastest-growing sectors in infrastructure: data centers and critical power. Darby shares how AVK has evolved from standby power into a broader power solutions business, and what it takes to manage complex, high-value generator and microgrid projects across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. The conversation covers everything from supplier capacity planning and European logistics to project risk management, commercial delays, and the challenge of scaling both internal teams and external supply chains fast enough to meet demand. If you work in supply chain, operations, procurement, project management, energy infrastructure, construction, or data centers, this episode offers a practical look at how major projects are planned and delivered when timelines are tight, resources are stretched, and failure to coordinate can cost millions. In this episode, we cover: * How Darby went from delivering single generators to leading £100M+ data center projects * What 40-week generator lead times mean for planning, sequencing, and execution * How AVK is responding to UK grid constraints and supporting customers with microgrid solutions * The reality of data center expansion across Europe and the logistics challenges it creates * Why supplier relationships and long-term capacity planning matter more than ever * How AVK is tackling the shortage of skilled labour, PMs, and specialist contractors * What project managers can teach supply chain leaders about resource risk and demand planning * Why communication, transparency, and strategic forecasting are critical to flattening risk across the whole delivery chain Whether you’re responsible for operations, supply chain strategy, procurement, project execution, or workforce planning, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on scaling delivery in a market where infrastructure demand is accelerating faster than capacity. About the guest Darby Thomas is Operations Director at AVK, where he leads complex critical power and generator projects for large-scale data center developments. With years of experience in power generation and project delivery, Darby brings a front-line view of how businesses can manage growth, risk, supply chain pressure, and labour shortages in a rapidly evolving infrastructure market. Topics covered: Data centers, AVK, project management, supply chain risk, operations leadership, generator lead times, standby power, microgrids, grid constraints, critical infrastructure, labour shortages, procurement strategy, capacity planning, PMO, European logistics, construction delivery, energy infrastructure, supply chain planning, project risk, data center growth. #SupplyChain #ProjectManagement #DataCenters #Operations #Procurement #Infrastructure #Energy #Leadership #AVK #Microgrids Connect with Darby Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darby-thomas-66b16810/ If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone in supply chain or operations who could use it — and subscribe so you don't miss the next one. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

4. 

   9 Jun 2026

   S01 E04 Quality Management Systems, ISO Compliance & AI Auditing Insights | Charlotte Mahoney

   Most companies think quality management is about passing audits, maintaining ISO 9001 certification, and completing annual supplier questionnaires. But according to quality management consultant Charlotte Mahoney, that's often just compliance theatre. In this episode of Inside the Chain, Charlotte shares what a truly effective Quality Management System (QMS) looks like, why so many organizations struggle with quality despite being ISO certified, and how businesses can move beyond paperwork to create systems that genuinely improve performance. Drawing on years of practical experience as the owner of QSA Limited, Charlotte explains how strong quality management creates clarity, accountability, and consistency across an organization. She also discusses supplier evaluation, leadership responsibility, auditing best practices, and the growing role of AI in quality assurance and compliance. Whether you're responsible for ISO 9001 implementation, supplier quality, manufacturing operations, procurement, compliance, or business improvement, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. 🔹 Topics Covered: • What a successful Quality Management System actually looks like • Common ISO 9001 mistakes businesses make • Why many companies fall into "compliance theatre" • Supplier evaluation using the QCD framework (Quality, Cost, Delivery) • Context of Organization reviews and risk assessment • Quality culture vs audit culture • Production managers carrying quality responsibilities • Internal auditing best practices • AI applications in quality management and auditing • How to improve ISO 9001 systems without starting from scratch 🔹 Key Takeaways: ✓ A strong QMS becomes part of everyday operations ✓ Undefined responsibilities create firefighting and inconsistency ✓ Supplier performance can be measured effectively through Quality, Cost, and Delivery metrics ✓ Honest self-assessment is critical for continual improvement ✓ Quality roles require training, support, and authority ✓ AI can enhance auditing and quality reviews while human judgment remains essential Connect with Charlotte Mahoney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qsa-charlotte-mahoney/ Website: https://www.qsaconsultltd.co.uk/ If you have questions about quality management, ISO 9001, supplier quality, auditing, or business improvement, Charlotte welcomes conversations and is happy to provide initial guidance. #QualityManagement #ISO9001 #QualityAssurance #SupplyChainManagement #ContinuousImprovement #QualityControl #SupplierManagement #Auditing #Compliance #Manufacturing #OperationalExcellence #BusinessImprovement #QualitySystems #SupplyChain #AI I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

5. 

   19 May 2026

   S01 E03 How Data-Driven Supply Chains Build Better Businesses | David Morgan

   🎙️ Inside the Chain Podcast | David Morgan on Supply Chain Leadership, Operational Control & Manufacturing Excellence In this episode of Inside the Chain, Matthew McSharry sits down with David Morgan for an insightful conversation on supply chain leadership, operational control, and building resilient manufacturing operations across complex industries. With experience spanning aerospace, automotive, healthcare, MRO, and advanced manufacturing, David shares how supply chain acts as the foundation of successful operations — enabling agility, resilience, and long-term growth. From accidentally “falling into” supply chain as a data-driven graduate to leading operational transformations across global businesses, David offers practical lessons on leadership, problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and the realities of high-pressure manufacturing environments. In this conversation, we explore: 🚀 How David accidentally started his career in supply chain 📊 Why data and analytics are critical for operational success 🏭 The differences between automotive, aerospace, and MRO supply chains ⚡ Managing operational pressure in fast-paced manufacturing environments 🔧 Building operational control through visibility and accountability 📈 The importance of S&OP / SIOP processes in modern businesses 🌍 Lessons from managing international supply chain operations 🤝 Breaking down silos between supply chain and manufacturing teams 🧠 Leadership lessons for future operations and manufacturing leaders 🔥 Why strong supply chain foundations create resilient businesses A key theme throughout the episode is that supply chain is far more than logistics — it’s the system that connects strategy, operations, manufacturing, and customer delivery. This episode is packed with valuable insights for professionals in supply chain, operations, manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and leadership roles. 🔔 Enjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with industry leaders sharing real-world insights on supply chain, manufacturing, leadership, and operational excellence. #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Operations #Leadership #SupplyChainManagement #OperationalExcellence #ManufacturingLeadership #Logistics #SIOP #SNOP #InsideTheChain #BusinessLeadership I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

6. 

   12 May 2026

   S01 E02 How to Improve Cash Flow and Operations | Davie Thomson

   In this episode of Inside the Chain, we sit down with Davie Thomson, a seasoned supply chain expert and former Nissan practitioner, to explore how world-class companies manage procurement, supplier relationships, and cash flow. From his early days in procurement to working with supply chain systems inspired by Toyota and Nissan, Davie shares powerful insights on how businesses can move beyond cost-cutting and focus on long-term value creation. We dive into topics like supplier trust, target costing, lean supply chain thinking, and how companies can stabilize or grow by understanding their cash cycle from end to end. Davey also explains his “timeline” approach, showing how inefficiencies in operations quietly drain cash, margin, and revenue. Whether you’re a CEO, procurement professional, or supply chain leader, this episode will change how you think about cost, partnerships, and performance improvement. 🚀 What You’ll Learn: Why choosing the cheapest supplier can hurt your business How Nissan built strong, long-term supplier partnerships The concept of target costing and how it drives profitability How to identify hidden cash trapped in your operations Practical ways to improve supply chain performance and resilience 📌 Who This Is For: Supply chain and procurement professionals Business leaders and CEOs Operations and manufacturing teams Anyone interested in lean thinking and business improvement 🔔 Don’t Forget: Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on supply chain, business growth, and leadership. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

7. 

   5 May 2026

   SE1 E01 Back to Basics: How to Fix a Broken Supply Chain | Nick Pennell

   When Nick Pennell joined Natara Global as VP Operations and Supply Chain, he inherited a business that had been a quiet backwater inside a larger corporate — under-measured, under-invested, and under-performing. In this episode, Nick breaks down the no-nonsense approach he and his team took to turn things around: establishing consistent KPIs across four global manufacturing sites, identifying root causes through basic Pareto analysis, and shifting high-volume products from make-to-order to ship-from-stock. The results speak for themselves — OTIF improved by up to 12 percentage points at the lowest-performing site, all sites are now tracking in the low-to-mid 90s, and a third of excess inventory has been stripped out. Nick makes a compelling case that most supply chain transformations don't fail because of a lack of sophisticated tools — they fail because the basics aren't in place. From facing difficult customer conversations head-on to making small but visible investments that rebuild team confidence, this episode is packed with practical, experience-backed insight for anyone leading operations or supply chain in a business that needs to step up fast. Key takeaways: Start by measuring consistently — agree on definitions across all sites before anything else Run a Pareto on your OTIF failures to identify the handful of root causes driving 80% of the issues Separate your products into runners, repeaters and strangers — ship runners from stock to reduce planning complexity Speed over perfection: an imperfect metric tracked consistently beats a perfect one that takes months to agree Make a few visible improvements early — quick wins build team confidence and create momentum When communicating with customers, suppliers or senior leaders, keep the story simple: here's the problem, here's the root cause, here's the plan AI and advanced systems have their place, but getting the basics right first will deliver 80% of the benefit Connect with Nick Pennell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpennell/ If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone in supply chain or operations who could use it — and subscribe so you don't miss the next one. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Matt and the Inside the Chain podcast team Connect with Matthew McSharry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcsharry-i4b Visit the insight4business website here: www.insight4business.co.uk #InsideTheChain #MatthewMcSharry #SupplyChain #OperationsManagement #Manufacturing #Procurement #LeanSixSigma #SupplyChainManagement #BusinessTransformation #ContinuousImprovement #ManufacturingLeadership #OperationalExcellence Inside the Chain is the podcast for operations and supply chain leaders who want real conversations, not textbook theory. Hosted by Matthew McSharry — founder of insight4business and a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with over 20 years of hands-on experience across manufacturing, FMCG, and engineering — each episode brings you honest, practical insight from the people actually doing the work. From turnarounds and transformations to the everyday challenges of planning, procurement, and performance, Inside the Chain cuts through the complexity and gets back to what really drives results: people, process, and the right systems. Every guest has been in the thick of it — leading operations, fixing what's broken, and building businesses that perform. Whether you're a CEO, MD, head of supply chain, or someone who simply wants to make operations work better, this is the show for you.

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.