Insights on Leadership from Dean Bain at Coupa Software

Welcome to Leadership Insights, where we dive into the journeys of supply chain leaders and explore their career paths, lessons learned, and future aspirations. In this edition, we chat with Dean Bain, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at Coupa Software. He reflects on how his passion for engineering and early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his approach to leadership in the world of supply chain software.

Supply Chain 24/7: Can you share a bit about your background? Where did it all begin for you?

Dean Bain: Sure! My roots trace back to Scotland, but in the mid-70s, my dad found a manufacturing job in South Africa that prompted our family’s move. I was born there and spent my early years soaking up that culture.

When I turned four, we relocated to the U.S., where my dad worked in CNC machining before shifting gears into sales for cutting tools.We lived stateside until I was nine before heading back to Scotland for high school.

Throughout those high school years, I dreamed of flying with the Royal Air Force. I even pursued an Air Force cadetship outside regular classes! However, when my family decided to reunite in America—where my older brother had stayed—I pivoted from that dream and returned stateside in 1997.

SC247: How did you adapt to college life here?

DB: Honestly? It was a bit overwhelming! When my parents announced our move to Tennessee, I assumed I’d be attending school there—so off I went to the University of Tennessee!

I had some fantastic teachers who sparked my interest in technology during high school. Initially enrolled in computer science at UT, it didn’t take long for me to realize late-night lab sessions weren’t quite what I wanted. After just one year as a freshman, mechanical engineering became my new focus—and boy did things improve from there!

SC247: Did anyone mentor you during this transition?

DB: Absolutely! The International House at UT played a huge role as adapting to American culture wasn’t easy for me initially. Knoxville might not seem like an international hub at first glance—but trust me; it has one!

I fully embraced college life—face paint included—as we celebrated victories on game day against rivals like Florida!

Taking Risks: Starting Up Young

SC247: Did you have any internships while studying?

DB: my journey took an unconventional route! Thanks to connections through my dad’s network with a Swiss company specializing in unique CNC workholding devices—I paused college and moved straight into business as their exclusive U.S distributor at just 20 years old.

Over three years,I built up a rep network across both the U.S. and Mexico while also introducing additional product lines from Europe until realizing growth required either more capital or experience beyond what I’d gained so far.

At one trade show hearing about competitors planning similar products led me down another path: rather of competing directly—I proposed they acquire mine instead—and they did!

Next Steps: Finding My Place

SC247: What came after selling your business?

DB: Honestly? No solid plan existed post-sale! A friend from trade shows reached out inviting me out for lunch; he suggested joining his company as he believed I’d fit right into their operations despite thinking it would be temporary—it turned out lasting around 18 months!

Moving back home allowed time for reflection on everything—from import/export ventures through global distribution—to realize supply chain management truly resonated with me.

Entering Supply Chain Software

SC247: How did you break into software within this field?

DB: Kicking off as part of DHL Express during its domestic delivery expansion didn’t pan out well—they eventually exited that market—but UPS offered unbelievable training opportunities afterward wich helped shape further ambitions toward merging logistics expertise alongside tech interests by exploring companies like Manhattan Associates or RedPrairie focused on warehousing solutions specifically tailored towards transportation needs.

And yes—RedPrairie got acquired shortly after joining—which felt daunting initially but quickly transformed into an opportunity rather than setback thanks largely due entrepreneurial mindset cultivated earlier throughout various experiences leading up till then…

Leadership Today: Vision & Culture

So why leave Blue Yonder after ten accomplished years?

A mix really; ten years is meaningful within any industry especially considering Panasonic’s acquisition brought structural changes leaving little clarity regarding future roles available moving forward… So seeking something new where responsibilities could expand led me toward Syncron—a smaller Swedish firm specializing aftermarket parts planning aligning perfectly given lifelong love cars combined engineering background too…

About eighteen months ago Coupa approached offering chance step-up general management role overseeing acquired businesses needing direction along three key areas: peopel-product-brand alignment ensuring legacy respected while integrating seamlessly overall strategy moving forward…

What’s daily life look like now? Quite diverse actually—from product strategy sales customer support success—all aimed connecting internal strategies execution effectively ensuring clients equipped navigate uncertainties ahead whether political shifts trade disruptions unexpected events arise—we empower them respond proactively—that’s powerful stuff right there folks!

Outside work though? Well lately been enjoying shows like Shrinking alongside indulging golf relaxing away stressors plus keeping tabs F1 racing soccer clubs back home UK too…

As far strengths weaknesses go according kids they’d say strength lies tackling challenges head-on curiosity drives exploration whereas weakness revolves around finding balance amidst busy lifestyle always striving carve time family self-care too…

Ultimately guiding philosophy remains treating every position akin owning personal venture fostering accountability stronger teams ultimately lead greater success stories together…