Be prepared for change, ‘cause it is always a chance! Hady Seyeda, CEO H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders

Today Dr. Hady Seyeda, the CEO of H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders,
one of the biggest tungsten / wolframproviders worldwide is
joining Sebastian Morgner. The thirteenth episode of the podcast
reflects on the events, following the Covid-19 outbreak from the
perspective of a multinational production company. 


The podcast starts off with a quick introduction of H.C. Starck
Tungsten Powders by Dr. Seyeda. Providing a short explanation for
what Tungsten stands and regarding its unique properties and
applications, he shares a brief overview of the company’s value
proposition, as well as its role in the general supply chain. The
CEO describes the organisation’s first encounter with the virus
at their facility in China, and how resilient processes like a
creative use of resources and protocols which have been already
in place of similar scenarios, allowed for a quick adaptation to
“the new normal”. He approves the measures taken by the German
government, both financially and in respect to provide guidance.
However, he believes them to be inconsistent and at times very
bureaucratic. Therefore, when asked what he believes to be the
most valuable “lesson learned” from the crisis, he states, that
for a better solution in the future, the individual members of
the EU should implement a general set of rules that would allow
to take quick and decisive measures when the next pandemic comes
around.


Thereafter, the conversation touches on the question of supply
chains and resources and takes a turn towards the issue of
recycling and circular economy. Dr. Seyeda explains how western
nations are often dependent on third party providers for valuable
metals and other resources. In times of crisis, this may cause
shortage. However, by implementing a proper recycling system
allowing for a better preservation of essential components, these
dependencies could be significantly reduced. Nevertheless, he
advocates for the maintenance of a certain level of slack in
order to keep organisations in business, even when there is
stagnation of essential resources.


To conclude the podcast, the CEO shares an advice with the
audience by encouraging them to keep a positive mindset and be
prepared for change, ‘cause it is always a chance.