295: Women In Supply Chain, Naomi Sylvian

In today's episode of Women In Supply Chain, I'm joined by one of the Let's Talk Supply Chain family - a woman who is helping leaders discover the value of connected planning, with supply chain best practices and stories that matter: it's Naomi Sylvian. Naomi has 16 years of experience in telling brand stories, powering sales enablement, and increasing brand exposure and online lead generation. Naomi's marketing career has seen her assume leadership roles at a number of healthcare and technology brands, before taking on her current role in supply chain solution marketing at IT firm, Anaplan. Naomi is passionate about empowering women, and also has a decade of experience in mentoring other marketing and creative professionals. Today Naomi will be talking to us about her career so far; embracing a career in supply chain; collaborating with me on my women in supply chain blog series; and the importance of mentors. Plus, she'll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps. SHOW SPONSOR:   This Women in Supply Chain feature was sponsored by Sifted. As a business dedicated to empowering confidence within the shipping industry, we're proud to support Women in Supply Chain. Sifted is the leading logistics intelligence software that combines insights with expertise to empower bigger, smarter shipping decisions. As growth and disruptions present ongoing challenges for supply chain leaders, thousands rely on Sifted to set their businesses up for success. Learn more about Sifted here.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.46] Naomi reflects on what being featured in Let's Talk Supply Chain's Women in Supply Chain series means to her, and she shares her experience as a panellist on Blended. "You, and the women in supply chain who I've been writing about and lifting their voices – you've all inspired me through the most challenging times… it's been a big part of what's kept me hopeful." [11.42] Naomi's journey: how she developed her career in marketing, and discovered a love of supply chain. "In Beyonce terms: I fell crazy in love when I was introduced to supply chain!" [18.53] Naomi shares her experiences as a woman in a typically male-dominated industry, and discusses why she thinks that times are changing. "I think there's been a culture shock, since I broke into corporate, for some people, but I really think that women who are strong make an impact." [21.41] Naomi discusses her work mentoring at-risk teens in her local community, and what that means for her, both personally and professionally. "Being able to show up, as a reliable adult for them, and set a positive example for a healthier future makes a difference." [27.05] Naomi's five key mentors and inspirations. "I'm energized by people who are as tenacious as they are kind." [32.40] How Naomi found her voice, and how it continues to grow and develop. [37.23] Naomi shares what she's learned about herself along the course of her journey so far, and what the future might hold. "I'm continuously learning that you can never stop learning!" [38.56] Naomi's advice for all of the girls and women looking to follow in her footsteps. "Focus on making a habit of raising other people up with you." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Naomi Sylvian over on LinkedIn. If you'd like to hear more from Naomi, check out episode 23 of Blended – The Rise of Asian Discrimination. And if you want to find out more about one of Naomi's inspirations in the industry, listen to episode 287 of our Women In Supply Chain series, featuring the fabulous Jolene Peixoto. Check out our other podcasts HERE.