Overthepastfewyears,thesupplychainnichehas
experienceddrastictransformationsadheringto thecoreaspectsofhowtheglobalclienteleofthe sectordemandspromptservice.Everyonedemandsand exploresafewwaystoensureatouchofreliabilityand smoothprocessflowfromthecompaniesthatarecatering tothisniche.Withtheadventofemergingtechnologies,the supplychainindustryisembarkinguponnewhorizonsto respondpromptlytothechangeshappeninginthemodern industryandconsumerdemands.
Moreover,real-timedataanalysisalsoprovidestheongoing scenarioofthecurrentoperationsandhelpsthe organizationstodeterminefurtherdevelopmentsinthe supplychain,suchassourcingortransportation.However, comprehendingthefactthatautomatedtechnologiesare assistinginstreamliningoperationsandthedailyroutine transactionsoftheniche.Atthesametime,analytictools canhelpandenhancethecoreprinciplesbehinddata-driven decision-makingtoaccessthedemandsubstantiallyinthe future.
Thetransformativeleadersinthenicheareconstantly workingonthecoreelementsthatareredefiningthe traditionalmethodologiesofthesupplychainindustry This savesalotoftimeintermsofbringingachangeinthe organizationalprocessesresultinginoperational enhancementsandbettermentseventually.
Whenitcomestoimplementingthecrucialfactortothrive inthemodernbusinessarena,enablinginnovationsdirectly pointstowardsmakingimprovementsintheongoing processesofthesupplychainniche.Itdevelopsaclean flowofaprocess,includinghowprojectsarebeing executed,alongwithhowproducts,information,work distributionandfundsaremanagedfortheinternaland externalorganizationalprocesses.
Theinnovativeleadersinthenicheunderstandthefactthat supplychainmanagementisarapidlychangingindustry.It iscrucialtounderstandtheunderstandingthewidespread adoptionoftechnologyandglobalclimatechange,which willturnthetablesinsettingupasustainableenvironment forabrightfutureoftheSupplyChainIndustry
Comprehendingthemindsetofsuchstaunchleadersthatare revolutionizingtheniche,InsightsSuccess'latestedition embracestheodysseyof'The10MostInfluentialWomen inSupplyChain–2022.’
Flipthroughthepagesandindulgeyourselfinthecrusade ofexcellence.
Have a Delightful Read!
AlmaArzate
Sr.Director, GlobalSupplyChain Logistics ApotexInc. apotex.com
RubyHasFulfillment rubyhas.com
AlignTechnology aligntech.com
FutureInsights Network futureinsights.org
JessicaBurgess
DirectorofBusiness Development
MaayanNissan Director, HeadofGlobalSupplyChain
ApotexInc.improvingaccesstomedicinesformillionsof patientsworldwide.
Rubyhasfulfillmentleadsthethird-partylogisticsindustry withcutting-edgetechnology,seamlessintegration,andan uncompromisedcommitmenttoquality.
AlignTechnologyisaglobalmedicaldevicecompanythatis changinglivesthroughbettersmiles.
MariaP.Villablanca Co-founderandCEO
FutureInsightsNetworkenablesafuture-focused,insights driven,learningnetworkforseniorsupplychainleadersand theirteams.
TELUS telus.com
Desjardins desjardins.com
Accenture accenture.com
Let'sTalkSupplyChain letstalksupplychain.com
MariamSaad DirectorofProcurement
NadiaMalek VicePresidentProcurement andAdministrativeServices
TelusCommunicationsInc.isthewhollyownedprincipal subsidiaryofTelusCorporation,aCanadiannational telecommunicationscompanythatprovidesawiderangeof telecommunicationsproductsandservicesincludinginternet access,voice,entertainment,healthcare,video,andIPTV television.
Desjardinsprovidesfinancialservicestopeopleandbusinesses: insurance,mortgagerate,loansandcreditcards.
NedraL.Dickson ManagingDirector
SarahB.Humphrey PodcastHost&Founder
Accentureembracesthepowerofchangetocreate360°value andsharedsuccessforitsclients,people,shareholders,partners andcommunities.
Let'sTalkSupplyChainfeaturesthetopoftheindustry,diverse voicesfromwithinthecommunity,newinnovationandthe disruptersmakingwaves.
Chainalytics chainalytics.com
OvintivCanadaULC ovintiv.com
ShimonGowda Manager, SupplyChainDesignPractice
VineetaMaguire
VicePresident(VP)SupplyManagementServices
Chainalytics,aleaderinsupplychainconsultingandmanaged analytics,helpsitsclientscapturemaximumvaluefromtheir supplychains.
OvintivInc.isaleadingNorthAmericanexplorationand production(E&P)companyfocusedondevelopingitshighquality,multi-basinportfolio.
O V E R S T O R Y
WhenweaskedNedraDicksonaboutthe
company'smission,sheproudlyreplied, "We have committed to being 50% women and 50% men by 2025."
InchargeofleadingandpromotingAccenture'swellestablishedinitiativesin21countries,Nedraisresponsible fortheriseinthecompany'sMentoringProgramforvarious suppliers.Currently,sheservesthecompanyasitsGlobal SupplierInclusion&SustainabilityLead.
NedraisalsoresponsibleforincreasingAccenture's SupplierDiversityspendintheUnitedStatestoabove33%. Shewashonoredforhercontributionsandleadershipin promotingsupplierinclusionanddiversityandproviding chancesfordifferententerprises.
NedrahasbeenatAccenturefor21years.Throughthis journey,shehasgainedmanyvitallessonsthatshehas learned
1)Visibilityiskeyforpeopletoseeyouinlarge corporations
2)It'simportanttohaveamentorbutmoreimportantisto BEamentor
3)Benice Accenture'sPhilosophy
“ “
Accenture believes the time is now to think big, start small, and scale fast.
NedrasharesthatCEOJulieSweetiscommittedtocreate valueforthecompany'sclients,shareholders,communities, andthepeople(all700K).Theyareextremelytransparent abouttheirESGgoals,Inclusion&Diversitytargets,and thejourneyinSupplierDiversity.Accenturesharedits Inclusion&Diversitynumbersalmostfouryearsago. Seniorleadersacknowledgedtherewasmuchworktodo, workingtowardsthatgoal.Thecompanyhascommittedto being50%womenand50%menby2025.
Accenturecombineslocalinsightswithdeepexpertise across40industries.Thecompanyisextremelypassionate aboutinnovation.Nedraisextremelyproudofhowthe teamhasbeenabletoco-innovateandcollaboratewith diverse-ownedbusinesses.
smallanddiversebusinesstohelpthemgrowtheir businesses.Accentureleveragesthisplatforminallseven countriesinwhichthecompanyhasitsDSDP–Diverse SupplierDevelopmentProgram.Italsohasclients leveragingtheplatformfortheirsupplierdevelopment efforts.
Thecompany'smissionisalwayslinkedtoitscorevalues, stewardship,bestpeople,clientvaluecreation,oneglobal network,andrespectfortheindividualandintegrity With approximately700Kemployeesglobally,ithascreateda cultureofcollaborationandinnovation.
Theteammembersputmuchfocusoncustomerexperience. TheyrecentlyrebrandedtheAccentureInteractivegroupto AccentureSong.ThenameAccentureSongconveysan enduringanduniversalformofhumancraft,connection, inspiration,technicalprowess,andexperience-unleashing theimaginationandideasofitspeopletodelivertangible results.
AsperNedra,Accenturebelievesthetimeisnowtothink big,startsmallandscalefast.Theteammatesbelievethisis keytogrowandthriveinthenewandfast-changingworld. Thestrategiesorganizationsdevelopnowhave responsibilityattheircore–fromownershipofdatato inclusionanddiversity,sustainability,security,andpersonal safety.
Nedraistrulyhappytobeapartofanorganizationthatwill embedsustainability,inclusion&diversity,andadiverse supplychainineverythingherteamdoestocreatebetter economicopportunitiesforcommunitiesandabetterworld foreveryone.
Nedrawouldlovetochangethenarrativethatsmalland diversesuppliersaretoosmallortoorisky.Manyofthese entrepreneursarenimbleandabletopivotfaster.Shesaid shewouldlovetoseelargecomplexcorporations collaborateandco-innovativewithmoresmallanddiverse businesses.Thiswoulddrivemoreeconomicimpactand helptoclosethedisruptioninthesupplychainwesee today
Our mission is always linked to our core values, stewardship, best people, client value creation, one global network, and respect for the individual and integrity
“
Inanattempttogiveapieceofadvicetobudding entrepreneurs,Nedrashares, "Women are innovators and collaborators. There is a serious disruption in the global supply chain and plenty of opportunities for women to plug in the gaps. Unconscious bias continues to be a problem in the workforce, but the barriers are starting to come down. Many corporations are offering flexible work arrangements. There is a call to action to address the critical gap in talent, particularly among underrepresented populations, such as women and minorities. My advice to women – joins the supply chain and change the narrative of unconscious bias and help stop the disruption in the supply chain."
Alma Arzate Director, Global Supply Chain Logistics
Apotex Inc.
Lifeisuncertain,andtheonlyconstantsaregrowth andchallenges.Ifoneperceivestheproblemsas opportunitiestoimprove,growthisinevitable. Similarly,whenitcomestothesupplychainindustry, challengesprovethemselvestobeagreatwaytogrow professionally.Overcomingthesechallengeseverydaywith thesupportofadiverseteamof140supplychain professionalsisAlmaArzate
AlmaistheDirectorofGlobalSupplyChainLogisticsat Apotex.Drivenbyhergoaltodelivertransformational results,herglobalexperiencehasbeenbuiltovertwo
decadesacrossthesupplychainandoperations.Her backgroundandexpertisearemulti-faceted.However,her passionliesinbringingorderfromchaos,whetheritbe throughpeopledevelopment,systemsimplementations,or processesimprovements,leveragingallofherfirst-hand experiencesgainedfromtheAutomotive,Electronics, MedicalDevices,CPG,andPharmaindustries.
InaninterviewconductedwithInsightsSuccess,Alma shedslightonherprofessionaljourneytobecomean inspirationalleaderhowsheconstantlyaimstomakea positiveimpactinthelivesofothers.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatApotex.What challengeshaveyouovercometoreachwhereyouare today?
IamoriginallyfromCiudadJuárez,Chihuahua,Mexico. JuárezisthesistercityofElPaso,Texas,UnitedStates. Togetherwiththesurroundingareas,thesetwocitiesform thesecondlargestbinationalmetropolitanareaonthe Mexico-U.S.border,withacombinedpopulationofover 2.2millionpeople.Thereisathrivingmaquiladoraindustry, withover300multinationalcompaniesoperatinginmy hometown,sothisiswhereIstartedmycareer.Supply Chainwasneverhighlightedasapossiblecareerpathway whileIwasattendingtheInstitutoTecnológicodeCiudad Juarez,whereIcompletedmyB.B.A.,ortheUniversidad AutónomadeCiudadJuárez,whereIcompletedmyM.B.A. WhenIlearnedthattherewasavacancyasaBuyer, IndirectProcurementinthesamecompanyIwasworking for,Idecidedtoapply Thiswasacoupleofyearsafter graduation.IonlyhadFinanceexperience,butthehiring managerdecidedtotakeachanceonme.Ireallyenjoyed thefastpace,howIhadtoberesourcefultohelpresolve manychallenges,andbeingabletomaketangible contributionstosupportthebusiness.OnceIcameoverto thesupplychainside,Ineverleft.
TherehavebeenmanychallengesthatIhavehadto overcome;justtonameafew:thesupplychainhasbeen andstillisamale-dominatedfield.Ihavebeentheonly womanintheroommoretimesthanIcancount.Ihavealso beenputinnewpositionswheretherewasnooneelse beforeme,andIhadtofindmyownway,sometimeseven havingtowritemyownjobdescription!Then,asIchoseto restartmycareerinCanada14yearsago,thisrequiredalot ofperseverancetoachieveasuccessfulintegrationintoa newcountry,culture,andworkplaceexpectations.Thelack offemalerolemodelshasalsobeenachallengethroughout mycareer,butluckily,Ihavehadalotofkindand supportivemalerolemodelsandsponsorsthathavehelped megettowhereIamtoday.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe SupplyChainIndustry.
Formanyyears,IhavebeenfocusingonwhatevertimeI cansparetoliftothers.Despitemysometimeshectic professionalandpersonallife,Iampassionateabout activelysupportingmultipleinitiativesrelatedtosupply chain,education,women,andimmigrantadvancement.My hopeisthatwhoeverattendstheseeventswilllearnfrom
myjourneyandthemanyobstaclesIhavehadtoovercome tofindmyvoiceandberecognizedasaleader,andthrough ongoingdialogue,theywillalsobeinspiredtofindwaysto continuetopersevere,achievetheirowndreams,and becomethebestversionofthemselves.
Iamanenthusiasticsupporteroftheco-opprogramat ApotexInc.,wheresofar,morethan15studentsfrommany Universitieshavegreatlybenefitedbyacquiringrelevant supplychainexperience.Iaimtocrushbarriersforwomen whereverIgoandtrytoinspirefemalesupplychain professionalstoreachforwardandaccomplishtheirdreams. Onimmigrant-relatedinitiatives,Ihavebeenakeynote speakerformanyorganizations,supportingCanadian newcomerstoeasetheirintegrationintotheCanadianwork environmentandevenhiringmanyofthem.
Iwouldlikeformymarkinthesupplychainindustrytobe helping others to succeed Thisisanextremelyrewarding wayformetogivebacktotheprofession,asIamhelping pavethewayforfutureleadersthatwilleventuallyriseto prominentpositionswithinourcompanies.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization. Apotex’scultureisguidedbyourcorevaluesof Collaboration,Courage,Perseverance,andPassion.They informhowweworkandhowweconnectinternallyand externallywithourcustomers,partners,andother stakeholders.Wehaveanincredibleteamofbright, passionate,andcommittedindividualswhoareproudly dedicatedtoourmissionofbringingagrowingarrayof high-quality,affordablemedicinestohealthcaresystemsin 115countriesaroundtheglobe.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
– Peter Drucker
Weinvestincontinuouslearninganddevelopmentto supportemployeesinexpandingtheircapabilitiesand reachingtheircareeraspirations.Ourleadershipteamis fullycommittedtofosteringandencouragingan environmentforlearninganddevelopment.Thisis complementedbyrobusttrainingtoensureouremployees havethelatestindustryknowledgeandexpertiseto continuetoexcelintheirroles.Connectingwithour internaltalentiskeytoensuringourorganization’s sustainablegrowth.WeprioritizeandconsiderApotex employeesforallavailablecareeropportunitiesacrossthe organizationtosupporttheircareerdevelopmentanddrive businesssuccess.
WorkingatApotexalsomeansworkingforacompanythat recognizestheobligationsthatcomewithsuccess.Thatis whyweareproudtoprovidesignificantsupporttoavariety ofcharitableorganizationsandcommunitygroupsin Canadaandaroundtheworldandtoinvestinthe universitieswheremanyofouremployeesearnedtheir degrees.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforApotex? Icanseemyselfcontinuingtoexpandmyresponsibilities, leadingmultipleteams,givingeachandeveryoneofmy
teammemberstheopportunities,resources,andtime requiredtoleadinitiativesthatwilltakethemaboveand beyondthecomfortzoneandwillhelpdriveadvancement andinnovationinhowwedothings.Iseeeverysingle personinmyteamashavingthepotentialtobealeader, regardlessoftitle,timeintheorganization,oriftheyhave directreportsornot.
Asleaders,beingcredible,trustworthy,respectful,and empatheticnaturallyleadsustomakebetterconnections withourteams.Everythingstartsbyhavingmeaningful conversations.Weknowthatwhenemployeesfeelvalued, empowered,andconnectedtotheirworkandthe organization,thereisanoverallboostintheirengagement.I trytobeasinvolvedandavailableaspossible,asthis allowsmetoprovidethesupportthatmyteamneeds.My jobistoleadtheway,role-modelamindsetofgrowthand continuousimprovement,andcontinuetoencouragemy teamtoachieveambitiousgoalsanddeliversignificant resultsforApotex.
JessicaBurgess DirectorofBusinessDevelopment RubyHasFulfillment
Coordinatingoveralllogisticswithanintentto
minimizecostandmaximizetheefficiencyofthe supplychain,JessicaBurgessredefinesthewayof thinkingaboutsales,businessdevelopment,andrevenue growth.AstheDirectorofBusinessDevelopmentatRuby HasFulfilment,sheempowersherteamtobecomethebest theycanbeanddrivestocreateapositiveculturegrounded inacompanywidevisionofsuccess.
InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithJessicainitssearchtofind “The 10 Most Influential Women in Supply Chain, 2022 ” Wegotintoaconversationwithhertounderstandhowshe utilizesconsultativeandsolution-basedsellingwhile deliveringandsustainingrevenueandprofitgainswithin multiplemarkets.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatRubyHas Fulfillment.Whatchallengeshaveyouovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?
Ibeganinthisindustrynearlyadecadeagoandworkedmy wayupfromarepresentativetotheDirectorofBusiness Development.Oneofthebiggesthurdlesthroughoutthis journeyoccurredseveralyearsago.Ihadtostepoutofmy comfortzoneandmovemyselfandmy2-year-oldson8 hoursawayfromourfriendsandfamily.Balancing motherhood,acareer,andpersonallifeisneveraneasy task,butdoingitwithoutanysupportissomethingelse entirely.Duringthistryingyear,ItrulylearnedwhatIwas capableof(andgainedanincredibleappreciationformy mother).
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
AtRubyHas,ourmissionistobetruepartnerstoour clients.Todeliveranunparalleledservicetobrandsasthey scaleandtomaintainrealrelationshipswithourclients.No brandisanumbertous,everyonehasaname,andweexcel becauseofthoserelationships.Ourvisionistomaintain thesebestpracticeswhilewecontinuetogrowandexpand bothdomesticallyandinternationally
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Logistics&SupplyChainnichethroughyourexpertise inthemarket.
Logisticsandsupplychainisverysimilartoanyother businessfieldinthatitismale-dominated.Simplybeinga womanleaderinthisspaceisimpactful,butIwouldsaymy biggestimpacthasbeenonthosewhohave,orcurrentlydo,
We are constantly adding new technology and new partners to stay ahead of the needs of our clients.
reporttome.TheexperienceandknowledgethatIgained onmywayuptheproverbialladderhaveproventobe criticaltomyabilitytoleadandmoldasuccessfulteam. Myultimateprofessionalgoalisnottiedtonumbersor quotasbutrathertocultivateahappy,motivatedteamof expertswhoareequippedtogooutandkilliteveryday
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
RubyHasisacompanythatvaluesitsemployees.Istriveto placeasimilaremphasisonahealthycultureamongstmy team.Werewardhardworkandajobwelldone,andwe alsocorrectandmentorwithempathyandcompassion. PeoplefirstisthemottoofRubyHasanditappliestoboth ourclientsandourstaff.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
Cutting-edgetechnologyisarequirementforany fulfillmentcompanythatexpectstobereliableatscale.Our combinationofautomation,robotics,andactualbootson thegroundiskeytooursuccess.Thetechnologybehindour strategicroboticssystemsallowsustogetorderspicked andpackedataratethatnoteamofworkerscould accomplish;however,thoseworkersallowustooffermore flexibilitythanmostcompaniesoursize.Wehave orchestratedtheperfectbalanceandhaveentireteams responsibleforstayingcurrentonthenextadvancementin thespace.
Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring intheInventoryStorage&Managementindustry? Iwouldliketoseeincreasededucationforentrepreneurs whoarejustgettingstarted.Sofrequently,weseebrands thathavegrownquicklybutwhosepackagingandlabeling haven’tgrownalongwiththeirbusiness.Nearlyall fulfillmentcompaniesthataretechnologicallyadvanced requirebarcodes,butbrandsareoftencaughtoffguard whentheyhearthis.Evenmediumtoenterprise-size
companiesdelaymakingthistransitionuntilitistoolate. Barcodeeverythingandplanyourpackagingaccordingly fromthebeginning.ThatisthemessageIwouldliketoget toanyoneevenconsideringgoingintotheecommercespace becauseitwillgreatlyimpacttheirinventorymanagement capabilities.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theSupplyChainindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?
Ithinkonlineshoppinganddirect-to-consumersalesare bothheretostay,sothenextbigchangeswillbe improvementsintransportation,bothgloballyand domestically,thateasesomeoftheproblemswe’veseen andincreaseshippingcapacity Therewillalwaysbe somethingchanging;it’sthenatureofthebusiness.Ruby Hasisheretohelpfacilitatechangeandgrowthforour clients.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforRubyHas Fulfillment?
IampositivethatRubyHasFulfillmentwillcontinueto evolvealongwiththeecommerceindustry.Weare constantlyaddingnewtechnologyandnewpartnerstostay aheadoftheneedsofourclients.Ienvisionmyselfbeing righthere,assistinginthatgrowthbybringingnewclients throughthedoorandgrowingateamofprofessionalswho aremotivatedtodothesame.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheSupplyChainsector? Doit!Evenifyouhavetostartatthebottomandworkyour wayup,youshoulddiveinheadfirst.Thisisanindustry thatisgrowingatanunbelievablerate,anditisn’tgoing anywhere.Imagineifyoucouldhavegottenintotheauto industryearlyonorthecellphoneindustrybackwhenthey werethesizeofhandbags!Everyyear,moreandmore peoplebuymoreandmoreoftheiritemsonline,andthere hasneverbeenabetterchancetogetinontheexcitement.
MariaVillablanca
The 10 Most Influen al Women in Supply Chain, 2022
Theintricaciesinthesupplychainareincreasing
witheachpassingday;eventhoughtechnological advancementanddatabringadditionalvaluetothe process,theskillgapkeepsexpanding.Organizationsneed diversetalenttomanagethesupplychaintopush performanceandprofitabilityfurther.Havinginsightsand informationaboutthesupplychaincanprovide organizationsarefreshingperspectivewhichiswhatMaria VillablancadeliverswithherventureFutureInsights Network.
AstheCo founderandCEO,aswellasthehostofa successfulpodcast,Mariacreatesaworkplaceculturethat inspiresandmotivates.Sheisaneffective,energetic,and visionaryleaderwhobelievesthat“goodenough”isnever goodenough.Withherleadershipattheforefront,Future InsightsNetworkisdrivingmanufacturingandsupplychain innovationthrough;thoughtleadership,virtualworkshops, live,collaborativeevents.
Insights Success caughtupwithMariainourendeavorto find “The 10 Most influential Women in Supply Chain, 2022. ” Wetalkedwithhertohaveadeepunderstandingof howsheisdrivingatransformationalchangebyconnecting supplychainleaders.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatFutureInsights Network.Whatchallengesyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Ihavehadalongtrajectoryspanningmultiplecontinents, languages,industries,androlesovermynearly30-year career.Thispathhasallowedmetoembracechange, diversity,transformationandhasprovidedmewithan opportunitytodevelopagilityandadaptability.Mygreatest teachersthroughoutmycareerhavebeenmyfailures,andI amverygratefulforthem.
the
Our purpose is to inspire and enable transformational change in the world’s leading companies.
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
TheFutureInsightsNetworkexiststoprovideournetwork ofover80,000seniorsupplychainleaderswithcontent, connections,andacommunitytohelpthemsolvetheir burningquestions.Today,morethanever,thisisimportant inhelpingtobuildagile,resilient,andsustainablesupply chains.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Logistics&SupplyChainnichethroughyourexpertise inthemarket.
Wetrytobringstoriesandcasestudieswithclearand actionableadvicetotheindustry Thereistoomuchhype, noise,andbuzzoutthere,andwehopethatwecandeliver someclarityamidstthecomplexityanddisruptionoftoday. WedothisviatheTransformTalkswithMariaVillablanca podcastandourevents.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
Westrivetocreateacultureofagility,flexibility,learning, anddiversity Asawoman-led,woman-ownedbusiness,we aimtogivevoicestounderrepresentedgroupsinour industryandfurtherthevaluesofdiversity,equity,and inclusion.Equally,Ithinkit’simportanttoensurewecreate aculturewhereallourteamfeelscomfortableinbringing newideastothetable.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
Thepandemicmeantshiftingourbusinessfromonewhere wedeliveredphysicaleventstoapurelydigitaloffering. Thismeantlearningnewskillsandimplementingnew technology,includingAI,intoourbusiness.Withoutit,we wouldnothavebeenabletoweatherthelast18months successfully.Notonlyhasthistechnologyallowedusto growduringthepandemic,withalmosttriple-digitrevenue andcommunitygrowth,butwehavebeenabletowidenour netstogrowintonewmarketsthatwerepreviously unavailableintheirphysicalform.
Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring intheInventoryStorage&Managementindustry?
Ideally,Iwouldwanttoseetwochanges,
1)todrivemorediversity,equity,andinclusioninitiatives andbringmorepeoplewithdifferentbackgroundstothe industrybutalso
2)drivesustainablechange.Thepandemichasfast-tracked digitaltransformation.Itwouldbegreattoseeusdevelop newandmoresustainablebusinessmodelstoo.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theSupplyChainindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange? Thenextbigchangewillbearounddigitaltransformation technologiesandsustainability.Bothwillhaveanimpacton howwedefinethesupplychainandhowbusinesses operate.EverysingleroleinSupplyChainwillchange.I hopeforthebetter.Ourroleinthisnewworldistocontinue tobringstoriesofpositivechangetotheindustry.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforFutureInsights Network?
Inthelongrun,Ihopetocontinuegrowingthebusiness,the community,andthenetworktoincludeawidergroupof SupplyChainexecutivesfromthemomenttheystarttheir careersinthisindustryuntilthemomenttheyretire.Ihope tocontinuebringingthemcontent,connections,andaplace wheretheycandialogueanddebatethelatesttrendsand issues.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheSupplyChainsector? Doit!Therehasneverbeenamoreexcitingtimetojointhe industry.IbelieveSupplyChainprofessionalscanchange theworld!
MariamSaad DirectorofIT,TechnologyServices, ProfessionalServicesProcurement
The 10 Most Influen al Women in Supply Chain, 2022
Thetransitioninthesupplychainindustryisnear.To realizethischange,it’sessentialtounderstandthe end-to-endsupplybasemappingandfocuson sustainableefforts.Implementingseveralaspectsinthe workplacewillalignwiththemassiveshiftcausedbythe pandemicconcerningglobalconsumermindsetstowards environmentalissues.PreparingforthischangeisMariam Saad,amulti-lingualleaderwith20yearsofhighlyskilled experienceinprocurement,operations,andsales,across multipleglobalandnationalorganizationsin telecommunications,mining,andinformationtechnology
AstheDirectorofIT,TechnologyServices,and ProfessionalServicesProcurementforTELUS,Mariam leadstowardsanextensivetransformationalinitiativeasthe companyseekstogrowandmatureitscapabilities.Sheis recognizedforeffectivelyleadingandmanagingconcurrent initiativeswhileconsistentlyachievingstrongresults.
TELUSisbuildingabetterfutureforallCanadiansby usingitstechnologyforgoodandgivingbacktoits communities.Itssocialpurposeisattheheartofeverything itdoesasaworld-leadingtechnologycompany,andTELUS continuestosetitselfaparttomakethefuturefriendly together.
MariamgraduatedwithanInternationalBusiness CommerceDegreefromConcordiaUniversityinMontreal, withaMinorDegreeinMarketing.FollowingtheDegree fromConcordia,shethenpursueda1.5-yearLeadership CertificateattheExecutiveMcGillMBAProgram. Havingworkedacrossmultipleindustries,including
InformationTechnologies,NaturalResources,and Telecommunication,shedevelopedextensiveexperiencein ITsalesandprocurementoperations.Throughouther career,shefocusedonrevenuegeneration,costsavings, delivery,andvaluecreation.Shetooktheopportunityto utilizetheexperienceandexpertisewitheachsuccessive roletosharpenherfocusonvaluegeneration.
ThroughoutMariam'scareer,shefacednumerousdiversity andinclusivenesschallenges.Inherearlysalescareer,she wastheonlywomanamongstateamof10men.Asaresult, sheconstantlyfeltthatshehadtoworktwiceashardto proveherself.
Moreover,shefacedadditionaladversitycomingfroman immigrantethnicbackground,whichshehadtoovercome throughoutherjourney.Shesays, "Whether working in IT or the mining industry, there were very few women, and almost none existed as you moved up the ladder. “Mariam expressesthatsupportforwomenwasincrediblylacking duringthefirstfewyearsofhercareer.Therewereno forumswherewomencouldconnect,receivesupportor shareexperiences.Shehadmanyfemalecolleaguesthat constantlyreachedouttohertosharetheirchallenges. Insteadofseeingthisasanobstacle,shethoughtabout takingchargeandmakingadifference.Tothatend,Mariam co-foundedthefirstwomennetworkatherprevious companyandopenedthefirstchapterinMontreal.Mariam receivedanoverwhelmingresponse,andpeopleworldwide becameinvolvedaskingtojointheMontrealchapter.Asa result,shenegotiatedabudgettolaunch10otherlocal chaptersworldwide.Today,Mariamenjoysmentoring youngwomenandnewimmigrantstohelpthemintegrate intoorsucceedintheirworkplace.
When you're with TELUS, you're part of a network of giving.
Mariamexpressedthatsharingandcollaborationare integralpartsoflearningandgrowth.AtTELUS,shestrives forcontinuousimprovementandvaluecreation,ensuring thatsheisconstantlylearningandeducatingherself,her team,andthebusinessonthelatesttechnologies.Sheis alsosoughtaftertospeakateventssuchasSupplyChain DigitalorroundtableswithProcurementLeaders,Supplier Diversityevents,orwithinITSummitstodiscussthelatest issuesandtrendsintheITandDigitalspace.
Shesurroundsherselfwithagreatnetworkofcolleagues, andteammembers,enablinglearningandprofessional growth;shebelievesthatgivingbacktoherteam,TELUS, network,andsuppliersisaprivilegeandaresponsibilityto givebackwhatothershavedoneforher.
Mostrecently,Mariamhadtheopportunitytospeakat manyeventssharingherthought-leadershipaboutthe effectsofthepandemicanditsroleinacceleratingdigital transformationandaboutCloudtransformation,evolving strategybetweenprivate,public,single,andmulti-cloud vendors.Mariamisproudtobeathoughtfulcontributorto thesecriticaldiscussions.
MariamstatesthatTELUShaskeypillarsfromacultural evolutionfocusedoninnovation,growth,change, teamwork,andrisk.TELUSdrivesacollaborativework environmentthatfostersgrowthanddevelopmentin individualandteamcultureandinnovativeperspectives. Thisenvironmentencouragesteammemberstolookfor newopportunitieswhileapproachingrisk-takingwithan opportunisticandexperimentalmindset.Everyday innovationisfocusedonnurturingthemindset,behaviours, andenvironmentrequiredtoinspirethecouragetodrive innovationtoaculturalstandardacrossalllevelsandvalue chainsatTELUS.
Withrespecttoleveragingtechnologytodrivebusiness objectives,MariamhighltedthatTELUSiscommittedto makingthefuturefriendlybyconnectingCanadians throughtechnologicalsolutionsthatcreatevaluewithin communitiesandconnectingwithtechnologypartnersto advancethedigitaltransformationjourney
Agriculture:TELUSisonamissiontotacklesomeofthe mostsignificantsocialchallengesofthegenerationusing technologyforgoodandempoweringgrowthinagriculture andfeedingtheworldbyconnectingtheunderservedrural
worldwithcommunicationcapabilities.TELUSfostersthe exchangeofdigitizedinformationtohelpallpartiesoperate moreefficiently.Connectedsolutionsforfarmmanagement, optimizedprofitability,increasedefficiency,andinsights.
Healthcare:TELUSisstreamlininghealthrecordsand data,buildingpowerfuldigitalhealthcaretoolsfor hospitals,doctors,pharmacists,andmore,tohelpsupport healthcareproviders.TELUSheavilyinvestsinvirtualcare toaccessallCanadianstoreceivequalitycareanytimeand anywhere.TELUShasinvestedover$2.5Billionin healthcareinthelastdecades;ithas$12MillionCanadians coveredbyTELUSHealthBenefitmanagementsolutions.
Partnerships:TELUS'secosystemofpartnersiscrucialto Mariam.Thecompanyhasbuiltstrategicpartnerships, allowingittobuildsomeoftheworld'sfastest,highest qualitynetworkstoleadintheHealthcareTechnologyand CustomerFirstapproach.
Over
Mariamlovesherworkandenvisionsherselfconstantly learningandgrowinginherspace,helpingshapeand changethesupplychainindustrytoadvanceitandsolve realproblems.Sheisproudtoassist"feedingtheworld"by improvingTELUS'foodqualityandsafetybyleveraging technologicalinnovationandhumancompassion.Sheis excitedtobeapartofthehealthcareinitiativethatwill impacttheworldpositively.Sheseesherselfmentoring supplychainprofessionals,fosteringadiversityand inclusivenessculture,andsoonleadingaprocurementor supplychainorganization.
Mariamadvisesup-and-comingentrepreneurstoprepare themselvesforawonderfulride.Shesays, "You are going to witness some of the greatest evolution in this space. We are entering the fourth industrial revolution that will challenge current ways of working and the need for some of the most pressing issues in the world. It is where entrepreneurs can use their experience and expertise to witness or drive some of the greatest changes in the supply chain space seen in several decades.”
Learningisacontinuousprocessthroughoutlife.The
quotegoes, "You can't pour from an empty cup." Learninganddevelopingoneselfhasbecome essentialintheever-growingcontextofthebusinessworld. Contributingtothesupplychainindustrywithherimmense knowledge,MaayanNissanaddsfurthervaluewithher passionateapproachtolearninganddevelopment. AsthecurrentDirector,HeadofGlobalSupplyChainat AlignTechnology,Maayanhasbuilthercareerand supportedbusinessgrowthforleadingmulti-national organizations bydrivinglong-termstrategy,innovation, sustainableexpansionandchangemanagementefforts.
Maayan'scareerinthesupplychainindustrystarted17 yearsagowithanentry-levelposition;sheheldvarious rolesofincreasingresponsibility,workingherwayupinto managementandleadershipranks.Shehasworkedat globalcompaniesacrossmultipleindustries Maayan gainedvaluableinsightsandexperiences,buildingher resilienceandadaptability,establishinghercorevaluesasa supplychainleader,includingstrivingtomeetandexceed thehigheststandards.
Hermultidisciplinaryacademicbackgroundconsistsof Business,SocialScience,andLaw.Shealsocompleted recentprogramsinleadershipandnegotiationatHarvard andYaleuniversities,whichwerepivotalinhercareerpath.
AtAlignTechnology,Maayanhastheamazingopportunity tobepartofaleadingmedicaldevicecompany,workingin theiTeroscannerandservicesbusiness.Today,Align Technologyhasmorethan60,000iTerointraoralscanners intheglobalinstalledbase.DuringMaayan'stenure,she hasusedherexpertisetosupportthisgrowthviasupply chainprocessimprovement,systemtransformation, enhancedvisibilitythroughBusinessIntelligence,supply chainglobalization,andlarge-scaleprojects.
Maayanbelievesoneofthemaindifferentiatorsin achievingsuccessisassemblingandcultivatingthe brightestteamofpeople,solicitingfeedback,andactively listeningtothem.Maayanfeelsfortunatetohaveastrong globalsupplychainleadershipteamandtop-performing multi-functionalglobalteamswhoarehighlyengagedand collaborative.
Maayanisalsoactiveintheglobalsupplychaincommunity deliveringlecturesandparticipatinginpanels,andisa memberofseveralsupplychainnetworks.Sheservesasthe ChairwomanoftheSupplyChainInnovationAwards committee,whichaffordshertheexcitingopportunityto meetandshareideaswithoutstandingindustryexperts.
Firstandforemost,Maayanwouldliketoencouragemore diversitywithinthesupplychainindustry.Shebelievesthat encouragingdiversityandinclusioninteamscanhelp accelerateinnovationandagility.Shecallsonseveral examplesfromherownexperienceovertheyearsinwhich bringingindifferentperspectivesimmediatelyresultedin positiveoutcomes,including"outofthebox"thinking, improvedteamsynergy,andastrongerorganizational purpose.
Maayanholdsherselfaccountableasaleadertocreatean environmentwhereallteammemberscanthriveandbring theirbestideasandworkforward.Sheconsidersthat diversityofthoughtandexperienceiscriticalandopen communication,collaboration,andrespect.
AlignTechnologybelievesinthepowerofasmile,andthat everysmileisasuniqueasitsemployees.AlignTechnology providesavibrantemployeeexperiencethatencourages inclusionanddiversity,supportshealthandwellness,and inspiresanddevelopspersonalandprofessionalgrowth.
AlignTechnology’svaluesofAgility,Customer,and Accountabilityguidethecompanyanditsemployees.From developingsolutionsrapidly,evaluatingalternative solutionsthatultimatelymakethingseasierforAlign Technologycustomers,tounderstandingcustomers' expectations,treatingtheirproblemsasitsown,and tailoringitssolutionstotheirneeds,delightingcustomersis attheheartofwhatAlignTechnoloygdoes.
Accountabilityfordeliveringagainstitsexpectations,every time,isatthecoreofwhoAlignTechnologyis.Align Technologyholdsitselftothehigheststandardsconcerning itswork,professionalism,andoutcomes.
Maayanbelievesthatthenextbigchangewillbethe growingimpactofartificialintelligenceandautomation. Fromherperspective,oneofthemaingrowthenginesis technologyscale-up.Thepastyearshaveaffectedtheglobal supplychainindustryatunprecedentedspeedand magnitude.Shefeelsthesechangescanbeturnedinto opportunities:amoreglobalfootprint,increasedautomation andvisibilitythroughtechnology,andincreasedcustomer centricity.
InadditiontoMaayan'scontinuedpersonaldevelopmentas asupplychainexpertandleader,shebelievesoneofthe bestwaystobuildknowledgeisthroughnetworking.There arenumeroustalentedleaderswithstrongacumenacross theindustry,andshehasgainedgreatinsightsandnew perspectivesfromherdiscussionswiththem.
Asalecturerandguestspeaker,Maayanstrivestobringthe latestindustrytrendstotheaudienceandengagein discussiontostimulategroupdevelopment.
Maayanismostproudofoftheglobalsupplychain learningcentertheiTerosupplychainteamestablishedat AlignTechnology.Everyonesharesknowledgewithinthe
organizationandbringsinexternalsourcestoexpandtheir supplychainknow-how
Maayan'sadviceforanyaspiringprofessionalis, "Be passionate about your profession and bring your best every day. Embrace challenges, push your boundaries, and be open to learning and growing from your personal and professional networks. Don't be worried about making mistakes. You will learn from it. Don't be afraid of change, and it will make you stronger Always be yourself and lean into your strengths."
The2022InternationalWomen’sDaythemeis “ChoosetoChallenge.”Challengingforbringing changeintheworldbybeingawareofthe opportunitiestocreateagender-balancedsocietyinallthe sectors.Thesupplychainindustryhasbeentraditionally male-dominated,anditischallengingforwomen, especiallyinleadershippositions.Buttrailblazingwomen leadersarerevolutionaryintheirapproachandchooseto takeupthechallengeofbeinginthesupplychainindustry andimpactingtheindustrywiththeircourage,passion, guts,andleadershipskills.
Womenarefearlessandbelieveintheirpotential,setting exemplarystandardsforotherwomenleadersandsetting thestandardsforfuturegenerations.Ittakesalotof knowledge,awareness,bravery,andabilitytodealwith complexchallengesinthesupplychainindustrytobea trailblazingwomenleader.Therefore,becominga trailblazingwomenleaderinthesupplychainindustryisa laudablefeat.Suchwomenleadersbecomeaninspirational exampleforotherwomenleadersandfuturegenerations.
Womenleadersaremakingtheirpresencecountandare readytotakeonthechallengeandprovingthemselvesthat theycanworkproductivelytomakeadifferencewiththeir skillsandabilities.Duetothevaluewomenbringtothe table,manycompaniesalsoincludewomeninleadership positionstomakebetterandinclusivedecisions.
Trailblazingwomenleadersplayavitalroleinensuring diversity,equality,andinclusioninthesupplychain industryandaremorejudiciousinensuringgood overalloperationsandproductivityfromallthe employees.
Womenleadersdoinggoodinthesupplychainindustry naturallysignificantlyimpactotherwomenleaders,anditis moreinspiringforthemtofollowsuchleaders.Thewomen leadersinthesupplychainindustryshouldbeopento changesintheindustry Theyshouldbereadytochange themselveswiththetransformativeshiftsbyinnovating varioustacticsmakingsoundjudgmentswithpre-existing solidknowledge.
Trailblazingwomenleadersinthesupplychainindustry preparethemselveswellenoughtohandlethechallengesin thesupplychainindustryandmakethebestsituational decisions.Theyshouldresolvethedifficultieswithfortitude andworkhardwithalltheirteammembers.Theyshould learnfromtheirseniorsandpassonwhattheyhavelearned toothers.Notwodaysarethesameinthesupplychain industry.
Thosewomenwhowanttoenterthesupplychainindustry shouldbeadaptableandflexiblewiththecontinuously changingdynamicsinthesupplychainindustry They shouldhavethegreatapproachoflearningandgrasping thingsquickly,alltheconstantchangeshappeninginthe industry,andaccordinglydevelopingtheabilitytohandle allthesituationswithdiligenceandmakingtheirbest contributionbybecomingatrailblazingleaderinthe industry Theyshouldbestrategicandhavealotof firefightingabilityeverydaytomakethegreatestimpactin theindustryandprovethemselvesasillustriousleadersin thesupplychainindustry.
Sincethestartofthepandemic,thesupplychain industryhasbeenfacingissuessuchasanonslaught ofshortages,disruptions,anddelays.Butcompetent leadersinthisindustryarecontinuingtonavigate challengesinthesupplychainindustrybyusingtheir knowledgeandexperience.Femaleleadersinthesupply chainindustrycontinuetoemergeandmakeanimpactin theindustrywithgoodmomentumandadoptingbest practices.Bybuildingrobustsupplychainsandreforming thesupplychainsector,womenleadersinthissectorare fuelinginnovationinthisindustry Theyarecreatinga brighterpathforthesuccessofthesupplychain community.Itisimportantforthesupplychaincommunity tocommunicatetheirmessagetoalargeraudienceabout theirservices.ThroughLet’sTalkSupplyChain,Sarah Barnes-Humphreyisbuildingaplatformthatgivesavoice tothesupplychaincommunity,seesthevisualimpactof diversityandinclusion,andfinallycreatessafespacesfor everyonetofeelheard.
Sarahhasspentthepast20yearsinthelogisticsandsupply chainindustrylearningeverythingshecan.Perseverance ledSarahtobecomeoneofthetopwomenleadersinthe SupplyChainIndustry.Shedoesn’tbelieveingivingup. Sheruns“Let’sTalkSupplyChain(LTSC),”anditisthe hottestsupplychainpodcastonthemarket.Sheisobsessed withthesupplychainandbelievesthat“Collaborationis thefutureofbusiness”,andwecanallwintogether
Introducing
InitsLet’sTalkSupplyChainWomeninSupplyChain series,LTSCintroducesthefemaleleaderswhoare dominatingthesupplychainnowandunleashingbetter, smarteroutcomes.LTSCsharestheobstaclesthesewoman leadershaveconquered,giantleapsoffaith,andthe beginningsthatultimatelybroughtthemwheretheyare today,leadingbusinessesacrosstheglobalsupplychain.
FocusingontheWorkthatNeedstoBeDone Sarahworkedforthefamilybusinessfor20years,took coursesonlinewhileshegothands-onexperiencein logisticsworkinginoperations,salesandthenultimately endedhercareerthereasDirectorofSalesandMarketing. Beingtheoldest,sheovercamejealousyfromemployees becauseshewasthe“Boss’daughter”,shehadtrustissues aseveryoneshemethadanagendaorwantedsomething fromherasthe“Boss’daughter”.Theultimatechallenge camefromthedayherfatherclosedthedoorsofthe business.Shefeltforallcompany’semployeesand
The 10 Most Influen al Women in Supply Chain, 2022
customers.Shefeltsomuchloss,includingthefactthatshe wantedtorunthecompanyoneday,eversinceshewas16, andthatdaywastheworstdayofherlife.
Sarahhadalreadystartedthepodcastandhadclients countingonher,soeverydaythereafter,shejustkept everythinggoing.Shelearnedsocialmedia,graphics design,websitedesign,andeditingandwokeupeveryday byfocusingontheworkthatneededtobedone.
LTSCfeaturesbrandswithinthatsectorofthesupplychain onthepodcast,andnowitislendingitsplatformforbrands tohavetheirownshowswithabuilt-inaudience.Sarah believesthatitisveryimportantforbrandsinthesupply chainsectortotelltheirstoryandreallycommunicatetheir valuepropositionforthosetheycanhelp.Supplychain professionalsknowwhatisoutthere,andLTSCbringsthat tothemarket.
BeingacertifiedWomen-OwnedSupplyChaincommunity facilitator,LTSCvaluesdiverseperspectives.Beingopenminded,leaningintounderstand,alwayslearning,and trustingeachothertowantwhatneedstobedonefor everyone’ssuccessishowitdrivestheorganizationforward andstaysinnovative.
We use tech whenever and wherever it makes sense, always looking for new ways that we can support the brands in our industry to tell the best story and give the best information to our audience and our listeners.
LTSC’sNon-Profit–TheBlendedPledgeisworkinghard toseethevisualimpactonstagesinaudiencesatindustry conferencesandindigitalcontent,soitisveryfocusedon DiversityandInclusion.Throughitssecondpodcast,called theBlendedPodcast,itbrings5peoplefromdifferentwalks oflifetogethertotalkopenlyandauthenticallyabout variousDEItopics.LTSCisalsofocusedonCollaboration beingthefutureofbusiness,bringingtheplayersinthe industrytogethertobringmoretransparency,visibility,and cohesivechain.
Sarahstatesthatorganizationswillbelookingatwherethey wanttohaverisksintheirsupplychaininthefuture.They willbasetheirfuturestrategiesoncompetingonsupply chainsagainsttheircompetitors,notjustproductmarketing. LTSCispreparingtobepartofthatchangebybuildingthe platformforvoicestobeheardsotheyallcanlearnfrom eachother'smistakes,challenges,andsuccesses.Sarah envisionsbuildingmore,creatingmore,andbeingchange agentsintheindustry
Sarahadvisesbuddingentrepreneurswhoaspiretoventure intotheSupplyChainIndustrytobuckleupbecauseshe saysthatitisquitetheride.Shesuggeststhemtochoose somethingthattheyreallyenjoybecauseshebelievesthat successinthisindustrydoesn’thappenovernight,andthey needtoovercomedoubts,unwantedadvice,naysayersetc. Sheadvisesthemtobelieveandlovewhattheyaredoing thatwillkeepthemmotivated.
Sarahherselfhasstartedandstoppedmanyventuresfrom gettingwheresheistoday.Shesuggestsbudding entrepreneurs, “Stay motivated, don’t quit, take small steps toward your goal every single day and stay flexible/open minded.”
Shimon Gowda Manager, Supply Chain Design+ Chainalytics and Founder Supply Chain Unified
Forthelastfewyears,thesupplychainindustryhas witnessedwomentakingupleadershippositionsand thrivingintheirroles.Womenhavesteadily advancedwithinthelogisticsandsupplychainsectorwith theirpassion,talent,andknowledge.Today,manywomen areplayingasignificantroleinshapingthefutureofthe industry.
OnesuchwomanisShimonGowda,Manager,Supply ChainDesignatChainalyticsandtheFounderofSupply ChainUnified,anetworkingplatformforlike-minded peopleandpeerswhoareinthefirstdecadeoftheircareer andareexploringwhattheirtrue‘mojo’is.
Letusunveilherjourneyasabusinessleader.
AsShimonlooksbackandpondersherjourneyupuntil now,sheseesandrealizeshoweveryexperiencehasbeen invaluablelearningandsteppingstone.Thecurrentsituation isalsoalearningexperienceandawindowofopportunity ofwhatshehopestoachieve,contribute,andgivebackto societyandcontinueinspiringthewayshehasbeen inspired.
Sheexpresses, “A career in supply chain was not by accident for me. As it is rightly said, family is the first school of every individual. Many of our career aspirations are strongly influenced by the envi-ronment in which we are brought up. My father, a doctor and a son of a farmer balanced his pro-fession well and took care of our agricultural land perfectly. As a kid, I would keenly observe the processes involved in running our estate. My initial brush with Supply Chain Process was when I saw how the
milk from the cows was stored and diligently transported to the dairy for pasteuriza-tion, where it undergoes various processes before it is sent out to stores for sale. I was always inspired and awed by this mechanical yet very efficient chain of supply. This inspired me to develop a penchant towards Supply chain and the various processes governing them.”
Havingabachelor'sandamaster'sdegreespecializedin SupplychainexposedShimontotheessentialsofsupply chainalmost9yearsago.Shehascometorealizethat optimizationofthesupplychainisacyclicprocess.The principleofLeanSixSigmathatstates, "there is always scope for improvement and potential to reduce costs",fuels Shimon’seternalpassioninthisfield.
Besides,Shimon’seducationalbackgroundandprofessional exposurehavetaughthertohaveakeeneyefor optimizationofprocess,labour,infrastructure,and distributionnetworkincludingallnodesofsupplyand demandtoincreasethethree"R's":Revenue,ROIand Relationshipbuilding.
Likenumerousotherimmigrantswholeavebehindtheir hometownandmovetoacompletelydifferentlandtoseea betterfutureforthemselves,Shimonisyetanotheraspirant whotraveledtotheUnitedStates;firsttimeabroadto pursueherhighereducation.Thiswasherveryfirst challenge.
Shimonmetwonderfulnewpeoplefromdifferentcultures, sawtheworldfromadifferentperspective,andbecame moreappreciativeandgratefulforherowncultureand
upbringingwhilerespectingothersandlearningeveryday Sheasserts,“Life is not easy being an immigrant on a visa and an aspirant who was particular in having a career of her choice. When you are on a visa, your time and clock is always ticking and there is a constant urge to accept any opportunity that comes your way to stay afloat. I think that was one of the major challenges to me. The zeal and thirst to fight and wait for a career opportunity that you are passionate about. I cannot underplay the impact of a perfect combination of hard work and luck, that has bought me down the path.”
Thesecondchallengeforherwasbeingawomanina man’sworld!Sheputs.“No matter how progressive the times are, I cannot emphasize the number of times I have been the only woman on the table. Having and choosing a career in supply chain also more often means you are inside a warehouse, factory and amongst trucks observing and auditing to perform root cause analysis of issues. It is not always a very glamourous profession. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with wonderful set of colleagues and cultures where gender equality is of the utmost importance and have felt indifferent despite being the only female in the room.”
Thirdly,oneofthegreatestadversityorchallengeShimon mostrecentlyfacedwaswhenshehadtomakeaverytough decisiontoleavetheUnitedStates,asshedidnotget ‘lucky’inthelottery-basedworkvisa.Butshebelievesthat
borderscannotstopyouifonereallywantstomakean impact.Shenotes,“I feel more confident now because most companies are now global and the physical presence or location of a person cannot stop you from solving a problem, work in collaboration across na-tions and truly make an impact on what you are passionate about.”
Shimonoweshercurrentsuccessandpositiontoallthe mentorshipandguidancefromsomeamazingpeopleshe hasmet.Shesays, “The essence of being in consulting is, every project feels like a new learning phase. There are numerous business nuances that you learn and are constantly awed by.”
Talkingaboutthenextbigchangeinthesupplychain industry,Shimonbelievesthatthereshouldbethe acceptanceandadaptationofmorecompaniesandsupply chainprofessionalstokeepabroadermindandattitude towardslearning,accepting,andimplementingAI/MLtechnologyandalgorithms.Shemarks, “This is to simplify and automate monotonous jobs and not to take away any jobs. Human intervention will still be required in our industry at large. But by automating several tasks, we can now focus on innovation, empowering mental well-be-ing of workforce and all value to our everyday task without having to feel mechanical or redundant in our tasks.”
WeaskedShimonifgivenachance,whatchangeshewould liketobringtothesupplychainindustry,towhichshesaid, “I would encourage more small and mid-sized companies to educate themselves to understand how using data and seeking help from supply chain professionals can truly add to the bottom line and optimize their process. Secondly, increase awareness about the advantages of collaboration, not just within the organization but with all your partners across the organization involving suppliers, freight partners, 3PL and warehouse partners, retailers as well as customers.”
I hope to continue learning and constantly thrive towards making a positive impact.
