In this episode of the In-Sites podcast, host Dom Burch reconnects with Rob Chester, CEO of SCI, for a thought-provoking discussion on how businesses can reduce costs without sacrificing integrity or effectiveness—especially in compliance-heavy sectors like certification and supply chains.

Rob draws from his extensive experience, notably his time in China where he slashed compliance fines through root cause analysis and sustainable solutions. Instead of treating symptoms, he focused on long-term fixes that enabled reinvestment in compliance functions, proving that smart cost-cutting can be self-funding and impactful.

He critiques the “chainsaw” approach to cost-cutting popularised in some sectors, advocating instead for precision, analysis, and reinvestment. Real savings come not from blanket cuts but from strategic improvements that prevent recurring problems.

SCI’s approach goes beyond traditional audits by embracing real-time assurance and technology integration, creating a broader toolbox for managing risk efficiently. Drawing inspiration from industries like aviation, SCI promotes real-time data feeds and predictive systems over backward-looking audits.

A key differentiator for SCI is its people-first ethos. Instead of investing in overheads like office space, the company channels resources into hiring top talent and enhancing employee benefits annually—an intentional counter to the declining value many employees have experienced since the 2008 financial crisis. SCI even offers equity to team members who stay over a year, fostering long-term engagement and shared success.

Rob also reflects on leadership lessons from Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, emphasising the value of balancing frugality with innovation. Like Walton, SCI keeps costs low while strategically investing in what matters most—people, tools, and trust.

This episode is a masterclass in ethical efficiency, proving that with the right mindset and culture, businesses can thrive while doing right by their people and their partners.

🎧 Listen now to learn how sustainable thinking, people investment, and tech innovation can transform your cost strategy.

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