M. Welcome to today's Expert Talks, my guest is Mr. Salikhov Sokhibkhon, Supply Chain Expert, MBA Candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mr. Salikhov has been featured on multiple media platforms and is well-known for his extensive experience in the rapidly emerging field of supply chain management in Uzbekistan.

Hello, Sokhibkhon, thank you very much for joining this online discussion!

Our prior survey with our community about interest in countries and specializations indicated that the USA and the field of Supply Chain Management are particularly popular choices. This means our Uzbek young readers and listeners are excited about this conversation (smiling!)

S. Hey Murodjon, great to connect! Thanks for having me here!

M. Sokhibkhon, tell us more about your background?

I was born in Tashkent, finished the prestigious University of Wales in Tashkent, and later received my master's degree from another well-known university, Westminster University. In the sphere of global supply chain management, I have prepared and executed several projects with very reputable organizations like Uzsanoatexport. Also, my experience includes work with well-known global brands such as Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Skoda. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

M. Let's deep dive into your area of specialization. What makes Supply Chain Management such a central field in the modern industry? Being one of the prominent figures in this area, what made you choose this career path?

Well, supply chain management is an absolute must in the dynamic business world of today. This subject moves beyond logistics into strategic decisions, optimization, and resiliency. My experiences during the pandemic brought it into focus as I worked to address logistical shortages and minimize the impact caused by the disruption of supply chains. For everyone else, it was an excellent practical lesson in how important good supply chain strategies are in terms of maintaining stability and efficiency in the company, industry and the country, as a whole.

M. That brings me to my next question. How applicable is Supply Chain Management in Uzbekistan?

As I hinted earlier, Supply Chain Management is highly important for Uzbekistan as well. The well-organized supply chain is essential for raising business performance, cost reduction, and enhancement of the general competitive potential. In the case of developed countries, their infrastructure is generally capable of overcoming hardships more effectively, such as those experienced during pandemic conditions. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's unique circumstances, such as being double landlocked and facing tariff and non-tariff pressures from its immediate neighbors, make robust supply chain operations and a skilled professional base essential for sustainable economic development.

M. Insightful perspective! Next question, so how does this famous global microchip shortage explain the importance of strong supply chain management, and what strategies should be recommended to deal with such vulnerabilities?

The microchip shortage underlines the vulnerability of supply chains worldwide. My hands-on experience at Volkswagen Uzbekistan project taught me that strong supply chain management is key. It's about better transparency, agility, and risk mitigation strategies. Understanding variables, using specialized tools, employing supply chain mapping, utilizing forecasting and risk mitigation teams, creating inventory buffers, and enhancing overall visibility, all these concepts are important. I would recommend the presence of supply chain professionals at lower levels of operation to upper layers of management closer to CEOs or decision-makers.

M. Sokhibkhon, as a leader in your field, how do you go about mentoring or inspiring the next generation of supply chain professionals? Perhaps there are some approaches you have developed to support young talent in the workplace.

Well, I try to make sure that the next generation of supply chain specialists is easily integrated into the current working process. Particularly, I engage with young professionals and team members in solving complex challenges and the execution of projects, thereby creating a collaborative environment. I also try to combine regular feedback sessions into my work routine, where I offer suggestions on how to refine the work.

M. Let’s shift our focus a little bit to your current education in the USA. Previously, one of our followers submitted a question that I’d like to ask you; Do you think studying in the United States is a good idea?

My studies in the USA have really been transformative. It is no coincidence that the USA is the best educational country in the world. This vast range of educational opportunities, combined with the exposure to top-ranked research programs and networking opportunities with other professionals worldwide, is impossible to find elsewhere. Moreover, in my case, the USA is the best fit for professionals with a background in Supply Chain Management.

M. Can you highlight the major universities in the USA in which Supply Chain Management has a good ranking?

There's quite a large variety. Unique would be my program, MBA with a combination of Supply Chain from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but worth considering, too, is Michigan State University, Arizona State University, University of Tennessee, and many more.

M. Preparing for such MBA programs is important. Do you have any suggestions to share?

Sure, the applicant should have at least two years of relevant industrial experience. It is also good to build on extra skills through online courses, like Coursera or Udemy, especially in areas of operations management, data analytics, visualization, and sourcing strategy. This way you can come into the program prepared to contribute with something new or different.

M. Now, regarding the challenges. Many might wonder how challenging the professional journey in supply chain management can be. What are your thoughts about that?

(Smiling!) Nothing seems to be difficult if you are well prepared. In my case, as an experienced professional, I have really enjoyed this journey. Of course, this may be more challenging if one is just starting, but it is also highly rewarding effort, because you will have many resources and chances to make impactful contributions to the society.

M. Here’s our final question in this series of 10. Could you please wrap up with some advice for our followers?

Through self-reflection, I learned that the keys to success are continuous improvement and determination. Furthermore, one must think big! What I mean is daring to dream boldly, like aspiring to become a Nobel laureate or a Golden Globe winner, and slowly making this reality. In short, the most important thing is promising yourself, committing to it, and acting in making it happen.

M. Great response! With that we can conclude our conversation. Sokhibkhon, thank you for being our guest today, it was really an enlightening discussion!

Note: The audio interview in Uzbek language will be posted on the “Mentalaba” Telegram Channel

Interviewed by Murodjon Avezov