Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

Ep. 1 - The Matchmaker for Logistics - Michael Ostroumov

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Description

In the debut episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov, Founder of Flox, sits down with Justin Campbell to launch a new video podcast series focused on practical, real-world insights in the logistics and supply chain industry.

Michael shares why Chain Reaction was created—to give logistics service providers and SME buyers a platform to share their challenges, solutions, and differentiators. He unpacks the inspiration behind Flox, a logistics matchmaking platform designed to eliminate inefficiencies and help smaller businesses thrive through smart partnerships, AI-powered tools, and transparency.

This conversation lays the foundation for a community-driven series aimed at empowering SMEs, showcasing emerging providers, and reshaping how logistics operates in an increasingly tech-driven, efficiency-pressured world.

Guest Bio

Justin Campbell is a logistics industry commentator and the first guest on Chain Reaction. With a background in digital media and community building, Justin brings sharp questions and real-world curiosity to the series launch conversation. He supports logistics professionals by exploring where innovation, transparency, and technology intersect to unlock growth.

Takeaways

    • Chain Reaction aims to spotlight logistics professionals - not just theory.Flox is a two-sided marketplace connecting SME buyers with logistics service providers, enabling transparency and better matchmaking.
    • The logistics sector is fragmented and conservative. Many SMEs are underserved and lack access to premium logistics partners.
    • Cloud and shared economy mindsets are shifting expectations. Businesses are increasingly open to shared warehousing, transport, and collaborative systems.
    • Flox offers AI-powered matchmaking and integrated data flows to reduce admin, increase efficiency, and boost service quality.
    • Advanced features like forecasting, WMS integration, and predictive analytics are either live or in active development.
    • Now is the time for "spring cleaning" in supplier relationships. The challenging market presents opportunities to upgrade partnerships and reallocate capacity.

    • Chapters

    00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Chain Reaction

    00:28 – Why This Podcast Was Created for the Logistics Industry

    01:46 – The Industry’s Complexity and the Need for Transparency

    03:21 – Michael’s Consulting Background and FMCG Experience

    05:01 – How a Failed Mega-Project Sparked the Idea for Flox

    06:21 – Why the Market is Now Ready for Collaborative Logistics

    07:30 – What Flox Is and How It Works

    09:07 – It’s Not Just Cost Savings—It’s Business Growth via Matchmaking

    10:25 – Eliminating Excel and Enabling Full Transaction Visibility

    11:43 – WMS Integrations and Centralized Master Data Management

    13:35 – From Forecasting to AI Risk Modeling: The Flox Roadmap

    14:42 – The Truth About AI Adoption in Logistics

    17:33 – Current Challenges: Tariffs, Vacancies, and Bankruptcy Pressures

    19:00 – Why Now is the Time to Rethink Logistics Partnerships

    20:24 – Who Chain Reaction is For: SMEs and Logistics Service Providers

    22:00 – Building a Community Around Shared Stories and Solutions

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Michael on LinkedIn here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Justin on LinkedIn here⁠