464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele

Beverly Steele talks about her journey, making a big change mid-career; what it means to be a workforce innovator; and her take on work-life balance. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.29] An introduction to Beverly and her role at Inmar. [05.11] Beverly's career journey, and her decades of varied experience. "I've been in reverse logistics well over 20 years. I actually stopped saying how long because I realized I'd been in it longer than some of my colleagues have been alive!" [07.15] Beverly's 20-year tenure at CORT, and an overview of the roles she took on as she climbed the ranks. [08.07] Inmar's joint venture with Blue Yonder to create a returns drop network that reduces costs for brands and makes life easy for consumers. [09.46] Why Beverly made a big change mid-career, what she was looking for in her next step, and her advice for other mid-career professionals considering making a change. "I'd moved up in the ranks and there weren't many places for me to go to make the money I wanted to make and have the challenges that I wanted… It was scary, but sometimes I think: why didn't I leave sooner?!'" [12.33] From sales to reverse logistics technology – why Beverly transitioned to a different space in the industry, and the benefits of pivoting. [14.41] Beverly's Woman in Supply Chain Forum award, what being a 'workforce innovator' means to her, and the importance of increasing support and success for work from home teams. "I've always had a passion for women in supply chain, and giving them the tools and opportunities to move into leadership." [15.46] As a part of multiple organizations and a champion for women, the big issue Beverly hears women in the workplace raise, time and again. "Women don't want to complain, it's hard to find a voice without being looked at as angry or difficult." [17.49] What her 'workforce innovator' award means to Beverly, and why forums and awards for women are so important. [20.05] Beverly's experience of being a working Mom, the bias and discrimination still in play, and what needs to change to improve workplaces and cultures for working mothers. "I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I was a Mom at work, I never wanted to talk about my kids in case people thought I was less dedicated. Then I dropped my kids off at school and, to my Mom friends who didn't work, I was hiding the fact that I was a working Mom because they would say: 'oh she's leaving her kids.' It was lonely." [23.03] Beverly's take on work-life balance, and why it's crucial to build a lifestyle that works for you. "You need to be really clear on what's important to you. And if you're in a work environment where you're not able to live the life you want, maybe it's time for a change. Because not every company is going to have a culture that you'll thrive in." [26.05] The future for Beverly.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Beverly Steele over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Inmar, check out 372: Women in Supply Chain, T.J. Kragenbrink or SEA 2, EP 87 – Are you getting the most out of your returns?