Ep. 13 - Supply Chain Runs on Trust First - Rhys Champken

In this episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Rhys Champken, Supply Chain Manager at Lounge, to explore how a trained lawyer found his calling in logistics. Rhys walks us through his unique journey from law school to managing fast-moving supply chains in a rapidly growing fashion brand. His grounded insights reveal the often-overlooked but essential role supply chain professionals play in business success.The conversation dives into the power of proactive communication, trust-building with suppliers, and the human element in logistics operations. Rhys offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Lounge plans for seasonal peaks, balances tech with human intuition, and fosters collaboration across internal and external partners to ensure agility and resilience. It’s an episode filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.Guest BioRhys Champken is the Supply Chain Manager at Lounge, a UK-based fashion company known for its lingerie and expanding lifestyle apparel. With a background in law and a lifelong connection to logistics, Rhys transitioned into the supply chain field by climbing through warehouse roles to strategic management. At Lounge, he oversees inbound logistics, operational planning, and supplier collaboration, helping the brand scale efficiently in a fast-paced environment. His approach emphasizes proactive communication, trust, and a human-centric supply chain strategy.TakeawaysA background in law can enhance supply chain roles through analytical thinking and structured communication.Proactive and transparent communication internally and externally is foundational to a resilient supply chain.Trust with suppliers and forwarders is more valuable than low prices, honesty builds long-term reliability.Slack and ChatGPT are key tools Rhys uses to streamline communication and get quick insights.Lounge operates as a collaborative team, using cross-departmental alignment to handle seasonal spikes and product launches.Advance planning with suppliers and freight partners mitigates delays during high-demand periods like Black Friday.Forwarders play a critical role in flagging macro-level disruptions like geopolitical conflict or freight shortages.Systematizing lead times by supplier and region helps the merchandising and product teams plan more accurately.Maintaining human connection across departments, like visiting the warehouse, improves team cohesion.While Lounge is transitioning from Excel to integrated systems, Excel remains a powerful ad hoc analysis tool.Rhys advises supply chain newcomers to embrace learning, communicate openly, and never shy away from tough conversations.Building buffers and using historical shipping data are key tactics for managing uncertainty and sustaining flow.Chapters00:01 Introduction to Rhys Champken 00:31 From Law School to Logistics 03:02 Why Communication Is Critical 06:18 Internal Communication & Tech Tools 08:55 Trusting External Partners 13:08 Planning for Seasonal Peaks 16:33 Using Historical Lead Times 17:23 Identifying Risk Early 19:20 Collaborating Across Teams 21:36 Formal vs. Informal Communication Systems 26:34 Balancing Tech and Human Judgment 30:33 Rhys’s Advice for Growing Businesses 31:58 Final Thoughts & Wrap-upLinkedInFollow Rhys Champken Follow Michael Ostroumov