It is all too easy to be ignorant in our current social environment; tribalism is entrenched in discourse, and algorithm-based echo-chambers are quickly diminishing the last remaining forums for real, open discussion. Growing levels of corporate mistrust are a symptom of this isolation, but in response, we are transitioning towards a heightened regulatory environment. Finance and procurement executives are being driven to better understand both the moral and business case for visibility over the enterprise.

A wider defensive conversation is now playing out across corporate Australia in the wake of the Financial Services Royal Commission. The belief that the industry herd-mentality offered some semblance of refuge from scrutiny is fading. Leaders are beginning to appreciate that earnest self-reflection is required for success and security. There is one damning question that leaders should ask when interrogating their own business models: what is the fundamental most exploitive thing we do, from a consumer perspective?

The mantra that the customer is king has never been closer to the truth in this age of digital accessibility, and this site of exploitation is where corporations are the most susceptible to attack from digital infused market disruptors. Ultimately, somebody will come along with a business model that exploits and attacks that weakness – it is your responsibility as a leader to identify and neutralise this threat at the source of the problem, rather than diverting resources in an attempt to mask or shape the public’s perception of the real issues.

This earnest self-interrogation is particularly important for finance and procurement. From responding to investor demands for transparency to vying for consumer allegiances, sustainable practice plays a central role in contemporary supply chains. There is no claim of ignorance in supply – visibility is essential for addressing vulnerabilities.

Now that modern slavery is beginning to attract the social and regulatory scrutiny that is deserves, finance and procurement executives must have the conviction to open the hood and address what they find. This is what courageous leadership in finance and procurement looks like, and what is required to navigate a business environment embroiled by transparency.

From the sheer pace of digital discovery to radical changes in consumer preferences, the complexity of modern logistics is thrusting supply chain leaders to the strategic forefront. Leaders who find a path through this volatility are shaping organisation-wide strategy and forging a new business reality.

As the technical landscape continues to evolve, the importance of engaging in continuous industry dialogue cannot be understated. Leaders around Australia are realising that maintaining a practical knowledge of changing regulatory trends, digital threats and technical solutions bears heavily on corporate and personal success. LEASEPLAN and CONNECT MEDIA will be continuing this series of executive conversations across Australia, empowering leading enterprises to evolve with the world around them.