Description

In this episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast, host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Emma Stone, VP of Global Operations at Hurdle, to explore the evolving landscape of medical logistics and diagnostics. With nearly 20 years of experience in supply chain and operations, spanning from FTSE 100 companies to agile startups, Emma provides sharp insights into how startups can build resilience and leverage technology in highly regulated industries like healthcare.

The discussion dives deep into Hurdle’s unique value proposition as an integration platform for diagnostics, connecting clinics, labs, couriers, and digital interfaces to enhance accessibility and streamline the patient experience. Emma unpacks how data hygiene, AI-driven inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration are transforming modern supply chains, and why soft skills remain indispensable in a tech-enabled future.

Guest Bio

Emma Stone is the Vice President of Global Operations at Hurdle, a healthcare diagnostics platform revolutionizing patient accessibility and testing logistics. With nearly two decades in supply chain and operations, spanning roles at both multinational corporations and startups, Emma brings a hybrid lens to building agile, scalable, and resilient logistics networks. At Hurdle, she leads strategic partnerships, global sourcing, and operational efficiency across diagnostic services. Her expertise lies at the intersection of compliance, technology, and patient-centric care.

Takeaways

• Startups offer faster decision-making and role flexibility but require strong cross-functional communication.
• Hurdle operates as an integration platform, bundling services from sample collection to lab testing and results delivery.
• Logistics resilience in startups means smart supplier management and balancing cost with total value and risk exposure.
• Dual sourcing and multi-sourcing are vital but more complex at smaller scales, requiring deeper supplier relationships.
• AI is reshaping supply chains via dynamic inventory planning, automated safety stock calibration, and risk scoring.
• Tech tools like data warehouses and AI analytics help monitor SLA adherence, reduce disruption risks, and ensure on-time logistics in healthcare.
• Human-AI collaboration is critical: AI handles data; people manage relationships, strategy, and conflict resolution.
• Soft skills, negotiation, empathy, stakeholder alignment, are increasingly vital in tech-driven supply chains.
• Young professionals should treat AI as a learning tool, not a crutch; problem-solving and creative thinking remain essential.
• SNOP planning benefits from AI but relies on human input for functional alignment and compromise.
• Cold chain management and telematics are becoming essential for reliable biological sample transport.
• Future healthcare logistics will focus on personalization, last-mile optimization, and increased visibility via IoT.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Emma's background

01:00 Comparing logistics in startups vs corporates

02:30 Hurdle’s business model and logistics role

05:00 Supply chain resilience: large vs small organizations

08:00 Total cost thinking in sourcing and procurement

10:00 Trade, tariffs, and managing global supply bases

12:00 Technology’s role in resilience and flexibility

14:00 AI in data management and service level adherence

17:00 AI use cases: workflows vs crisis response

20:00 Communication skills and supplier relationships

22:00 AI in contract management and SNOP planning

25:00 Advice for young professionals in supply chain

28:00 Future of healthcare logistics and personalization

30:00 Cold chain, telematics, and cross-functional collaboration

33:00 Final thoughts and thank you

LinkedIn

Follow Emma Stone

Folloew Michael Ostroumov