Podcast · Business

IBF On Demand

by IBF0 Eric Wilson CPF · English · Business

The forecasting, demand planning and S&OP podcast designed for practitioners in the field. Brought to you by the Institute of Business Forecasting with your host Eric Wilson, ACPF.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest: 2 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026 · 37 min

Your AI Strategy Will Fail If Your People Don’t Trust It

Companies spend far too much time debating which AI tools to buy and what those tools can do. They spend far less time thinking about the people expected to use them. In this episode, I sit down with Piper Martz, founder of Table Stakes Media, to call BS on some of the loudest claims surrounding AI adoption. We discuss why psychological safety matters, why leaders must be transparent about how AI will affect employees, and what happens when organizations introduce powerful technology without ...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

15 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Forecasting Airbnb: Where Demand, Supply, and Uncertainty Collide
What if you could forecast demand but couldn’t build, order, or control the supply needed to meet it? A matter of fact you don’t even own your supply and have to forecast inventory as well. I sit down with Airbnb data scientist Harrison Katz, PhD, a designer of Bayesian workflows for structured forecasting, to explore the challenge of forecasting when supply depends entirely on others. We discuss uncertainty on both sides of the equation, where demand and supply planning become blurred, and h...
26 Aug 2026 · 32 min
It Is Impossible to be Unbiased
We spend a lot of time worrying about AI hallucinations, but how often do humans invent patterns, explanations, and certainty that are not really there? In this episode, we explore the full gamut of human bias, from confirmation and anchoring to optimism and narrative bias. We also examine why planners can genuinely believe they see seasonality in just ten data points and what we can do to recognize and reduce bias in forecasting and decision-making. IBF On Demand sponsored by Arkieva,...
12 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Why AI Projects Fail [How to Build One That Matters]
You are told to go do AI without good direction. We have been there and we know the struggle. I sit down with Ashley Oien, Senior Director of Demand Planning at Rise Baking Company, to unpack lessons from a real AI transformation journey including an AI project that started with the technology and ultimately revealed that the real business problems were somewhere else. We discuss how to identify the right AI proof of concept, start with a meaningful business problem, define success before imp...
8 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Making Supply Chain Great Again: and something about AI…
The conversation around AI in supply chain planning has focused on one thing: forecast accuracy. But it doesn’t really work and what if we've been measuring the wrong outcome? In this episode I am joined by Yuqing Qu ("Joyce"), Data Scientist who leads machine learning and advanced analytics initiatives supporting supply chain optimization and enterprise decision intelligence. Together, we explore why the next evolution of AI in S&OP is moving beyond isolated forecasting models toward co...
9 Jun 2026 · 21 min
Trust Me! Your S&OP/IBP and Business Process is Broken
The biggest hurdle for most S&OP and business process is not AI integration, perfecting a process, or agreeing on a number, it is trust. In this episode of IBF On Demand, Eric Wilson explores one of the most overlooked drivers of business performance: trust. Why do some organizations collaborate effectively while others struggle despite having the same tools, data, and processes? Why do some teams embrace change while others resist it? Why do some forecasts become plans while others...
27 May 2026 · 30 min
Is AI Going to Take My Job: Absolutely Yes
This may be the most important episode I’ve done on AI yet. This is my AI manifesto you need to watch! Everyone keeps saying AI is replacing jobs. Absolutely they are already, but not for the reasons most companies are telling you. This isn’t another hype-filled conversation about how your jobs are not going away but just changing or talking points written by AI itself. This is a candid discussion on where I believe our field is actually heading and what you need to know about this AI revolut...
29 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Your Global S&OP Is Broken, and I am Going to Tell You Why
Most companies think their S&OP or IBP struggles come down to process maturity, tools, or data. They’re wrong. In this episode, I sat down with Alina Davydova, Senior Manager of SIOP in Europe, to uncover the real reason global planning processes break down: cultural complexity. From how different regions make decisions… to how they collaborate… to even how they present and interpret data these hidden differences are quietly driving misalignment across global organizations. If you’ve ever...
14 Apr 2026 · 35 min
Exactly How Many Companies are Using AI in Planning?
Everyone is talking about AI in forecasting and planning but how many companies are actually using it? In this episode, I answer your question and break down the real number (spoiler alert it is far less than you think). More importantly, I “delve” (because that would be the word AI would tell me to use) into what the other 97% of companies are actually using to plan, forecast, and run their business. I give insights into all the models available and how and when to use each of them. Suppor...
26 Feb 2026 · 29 min
Are You Hurting Your Forecast – Forecast Value Added (FVA%)
FVA% is back, but it never really went away. In this episode I sit down with Jon Nichols, Associate Director of Business Planning, to unpack one of my favorite metrics in demand planning (next to MAPE): Forecast Value Added. This is the third time I’ve tackled FVA on this podcast, and new insights emerge every time. This conversation does not disappoint!! If you wonder whether you are adding value or just noise to your planning process and still aren't using FVA then this episode is an absolu...
2 Feb 2026 · 27 min
Demand Planning AI is All Powerful and Good [The Rebuttal]
IBF On Demand sponsored by Arkieva, your one-plan S&OP software. Learn more about Arkieva's innovative approach to forecasting here httpbit.lybusiness-forecasting This is my response to my previous episode A Demand Planning Manifesto for the AI Era. If that episode was the warning, this one is the way forward. Yes, AI is being misused, but it’s also incredibly powerful when applied the right way. In this episode, I move from rant to roadmap, sharing practical tips, best practices, a...
21 Jan 2026 · 22 min
Demand Planning Manifesto for the AI Era: [Prompt Engineering Gone Wrong]
IBF On Demand sponsored by Arkieva, your one-plan S&OP software. Learn more about Arkieva's innovative approach to forecasting here httpbit.lybusiness-forecasting In this bold episode, I deliver a powerful warning that every planner, forecaster, and supply chain professional needs to hear. This isn’t anti-AI. But there are things we are doing wrong and the ugly side of AI misuse every day. We’ve glamorized LLMs, prompt engineering, and automated insights, yet many are unknowingly tr...
20 Oct 2025 · 30 min
How to Forecast in a World of Price Elasticity and Chaos
Prices are rising. Consumers are reacting. And demand planners? We're somewhere in the middle, stuck trying to model behavior that doesn't follow the rules anymore. In this episode, I sit down with Stephen McClurkin, Senior Demand Manager at T-Mobile, to unpack the reality of price elasticity in today's volatile market. From the ripple effects of policies and politics to the unpredictable outcomes of pricing moves, we explore how to Forecast smarter in the face of uncertainty. Whether you're ...
29 Sep 2025 · 26 min
Demand Planning 101: What Every Planner Needs to Know
No fluff. Just real talk from the field, made simple. Whether you're new to the world of planning or a seasoned pro looking for a refresher, this episode breaks down the fundamentals of demand planning in a way that’s practical, approachable, and actually useful. I cover the essentials who owns the forecast, what makes a good one, which KPIs matter most, and how to choose the right methods. This is your crash course and survival guide, designed to give you the clarity and confidence to plan b...
27 Aug 2025 · 18 min
Stop Using AI Notetakers: 15 Bots, and a Broken S&OP Process
This may be my most important, and urgent, episode yet. I recently audited an executive S&OP meeting where something alarming happened: 9 people in the room… and 15 AI bots taking notes, summarizing, and listening in. We’ve crossed a line, and we don’t even realize it. In this episode, I sound the alarm on how companies are accidentally sabotaging their planning process by deploying AI in the wrong way and maybe what we should be doing instead. This is a wake-up call for every planner, ex...
11 Aug 2025 · 21 min
STOP CHASING HEADLINES AND TWEETS: Planning Through the Chaos: Tariffs and Price Hikes
Everyone’s talking about tariffs, and price hikes are already hitting. In this episode, I break down what’s really happening behind the headlines and constantly changing policies from the oval office and how it impacts demand planning, forecasting, and inventory strategy. We’ll unpack the ripple effects of guaranteed price increases, what the data are actually telling us, and why chasing the news cycle can break your planning process. Most importantly, I’ll share practical steps you can take ...
22 Jul 2025 · 24 min
The Question That Changes Everything: What You Need in Your S&OP/IBP
I dive into the often-overlooked secret to a successful S&OP process: asking the right questions. It's not about dashboards or software, it’s about fostering curiosity, healthy conflict, and conversation that surfaces blind spots and misalignment. I’ll share the four essential questions every planning team should be asking and explain why the goal of your S&OP meeting isn’t agreement, it’s clarity. If you’re not challenging assumptions, you’re not moving forward. This episode is your ...
10 Jul 2025 · 30 min
From Viral to Viable: How DUDE Wipes Masters TikTok Demand Chaos
What happens when your supply chain meets viral fame? I sat down with Tara Tarazi, VP of Supply Chain at DUDE Wipes, to uncover the real-world planning challenges behind TikTok Shop and other in-app e-commerce platforms. From flash demand spikes to unpredictable affiliate influence, Tara reveals how DUDE Wipes is building a resilient, agile, and disciplined S&OP strategy in one of the most chaotic and fast-moving digital markets today. Whether you're in CPG, retail, or just trying to make...
27 Jun 2025 · 33 min
Why Process Is the Real Super Power: Great Discussion with Yoshika Hirata
In this episode, I sit down with Yoshika Hirata, Senior Director of Integrated Business Planning at Xponential Fitness, to explore a powerful yet often overlooked truth great people alone can’t fix bad processes. We unpack how strong, structured processes not only enable success but actually attract and retain top talent, while broken ones push them away. Yoshika shares how she uses OGSM (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures) to align supply chain planning, and why she believes S&O...
16 Jun 2025 · 31 min
AI Is Dumb and Mean – But Here's What It Can Do for Planning [ft. My Pappi’s Mule 🫏]
IBF On Demand sponsored by Arkieva, your one-plan S&OP software. Learn more about Arkieva's innovative approach to forecasting here: http://bit.ly/business-forecasting This one picks up right where the last episode left off—with real talk on AI in planning and forecasting, minus the hype. I break down the buzzwords people are throwing around (agentic AI, synthetic data, etc.) in plain English—and share what these things actually mean for demand planners, supply chain pros, and S&OP le...
28 May 2025 · 34 min
[AI Buzzwords Explained] What You Need To Know - Interview with Microsoft superstar Jess Lee
Everyone's talking about AI—but what does it really mean for demand and supply planners? In this must-watch episode, I sit down with Jess Lee, an amazing data scientist from Microsoft, to break down the most common AI buzzwords in a way anyone can understand. We dive into the real-world applications already being used in forecasting and planning—and what you need to know to stay ahead. From generative models to predictive analytics, Jess helps separate the hype from the reality. If you're in ...
28 Mar 2025 · 31 min
[Global S&OP] Bridging Cultures, Constraints, and Complexity
In today’s global business environment, S&OP is more than just balancing supply and demand—it’s about aligning cross-regional teams, navigating cultural nuances, and creating a unified strategy across borders. In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Christopher Mael, Director of S&OP at Precor, to unpack the real challenges of implementing global S&OP. We discuss the differences between regional and multinational strategies, how culture impacts collaboration and decision-maki...
7 Mar 2025 · 30 min
The Accidental Path to Success [From FP&A to S&OP]
Many professionals don’t plan for a career in S&OP—they find their way there by accident. In this episode, I sit down with Sergio Luiz Winter, Associate Director of Plasma Supply Chain Planning at Grifols, to discuss his unexpected journey from FP&A and controllership to becoming a successful S&OP leader. We explore the key skills needed to thrive in this role, how financial expertise translates to planning success, and what it takes to champion S&OP in today’s complex supply ...
20 Feb 2025 · 30 min
[CPFR in the Modern Era]: European Insights with Viktoriia Khorolska
Join me in this enlightening episode as I interview Viktoriia Khorolska, a leading expert from Ukraine and Germany, on the role of Collaborative Planning and Forecast Replenishment (CPFR) in today's supply chain management. We explore whether CPFR remains crucial in modern business, compare regional practices across Europe, and discuss how evolving market dynamics are reshaping collaborative strategies. Tune in for actionable insights that could redefine your approach to planning and replenis...
3 Feb 2025 · 35 min
Demand Planning KPIs Uncovered: Myths, Misuse & Mastery
In this episode, I break down the essential KPIs in demand planning—what they are, what they aren’t, and how to calculate them correctly. I’ll explore the most commonly used metrics, debunk misconceptions, and explain why MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) is not the villain it’s made out to be. Learn how to leverage these KPIs to drive better forecasting accuracy and smarter decision-making. Support the show To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcast...
17 Jan 2025 · 30 min
[Global S&OP Unveiled]: Harmonizing Regional Differences for Unified Strategies
In this episode, we explore how Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) functions on a global scale, bridging the gap between regional requirements and overarching business objectives. Discover three distinct approaches to implementing S&OP worldwide, and learn which option might be best suited to your organization. Gain insights on creating a critical framework that respects local differences while driving a unified, high-level strategy across multiple geographies. Support the show To...
19 Dec 2024 · 33 min
Elevating S&OP Through Finance & Leadership: A Conversation with Cynthia Trevino de Leon
In this insightful interview, I sat down with Cynthia Trevino de Leon, CFO at Mexilink and a driving force behind their emerging S&OP process. We explore the crucial role of finance in S&OP/IBP, the importance of linking KPIs directly to the income statement and balance sheet, and how this financial lens can foster stronger collaboration and shared strategy across the organization. Cynthia also shares her experiences as part of Chief—an empowering community of women executives—and off...
28 Nov 2024 · 31 min
S&OP Leadership and Collaboration: Insights with Meredith Cannon
In this special follow-up episode and the second part of our 2-part series, I sit down with Meredith Cannon, Sr. Director of S&OP at Bimbo Bakeries. Building on discussions from the recent IBF Orlando conference, we dive into the pivotal role of cross-functional collaboration in demand planning and S&OP, explore consumption-based forecasting, and discuss how leadership in our field is evolving. Tune in for Meredith’s expert insights and actionable strategies to elevate your planning p...
4 Nov 2024 · 32 min
Highlights from Leadership Forum Part 1: S&OP and A Conversation with Patrick Bower
In this first installment of a two-part series, I bring you a special interview with Patrick Bower, a supply chain expert with extensive experience and deep insights in the field. Fresh from the IBF Orlando conference, I ask Patrick some of the same tough questions I posed as moderator at the leadership forum. Join us as we dive into topics like S&OP, collaboration, transparency, and explore where we agree—and respectfully disagree—on the scope of S&OP/IBP. This episode offers a rare ...
16 Oct 2024 · 30 min
Supply Chain Horror Stories: Spooky Tales in Supply & Demand
In this special seasonal episode, we're serving up spine-chilling stories that will make any supply chain professional break into a cold sweat! From terrifying data disasters to forecast nightmares that spiraled out of control, these tales are a reminder that even the smallest oversight in supply and demand planning can have monstrous consequences. You may want to listen with the lights on... Tune in for hair-raising stories that are sure to haunt you long after the episode ends. Support the ...

About IBF On Demand

The forecasting, demand planning and S&OP podcast designed for practitioners in the field. Brought to you by the Institute of Business Forecasting with your host Eric Wilson, ACPF.

IBF On Demand is a English business podcast from IBF0 Eric Wilson CPF. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: IBF0 Eric Wilson CPF
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest episode: 2 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1505532217

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