511: Women In Supply Chain™, Jennie Malafarina

Jennie Malafarina talks about her career journey; collaboration & community; building businesses; & turning marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [02.30] An introduction to Jennie and her businesses Virago Marketing and FR8MVMT. [05.03] Why Jennie pursued a degree in communications, and how having three kids under five during her final year at university led her to a marketing career. "Communication, psychology and marketing all tied together… it's a passion for understanding why people do what they do." [07.55] Why Jennie moved from PR to digital marketing, her passion for tracking and measuring results, and what she loves about agency life. [11.46] How Jennie came to understand the importance of logistics, and how it impacts the consumer. "It's impactful – this industry makes the world go round. If we're not optimizing movement or getting just in time shipments, our shelves are empty and our costs are higher." [12.40] What marketing looks like for supply chain right now, the importance of personal branding, and the biggest changes happening in supply chain marketing, from video to AI. "People don't connect with brands – they connect with people." [17.31] Why organizations need to start thinking about marketing as a revenue driver not a cost center, and why it's crucial to understand your goals and KPIs. [19.40] Why it's so important to break down industry siloes to bring all areas of the community together, and how Jennie is keeping those conversations going through FR8MVMT. [22.34] The new businesses Jennie has in development, and how she achieves her version of balance. "I do the things that light me up!" [26.49] How Jennie's experience as a veteran informs her leadership and gave her the confidence to succeed. "I learned to earn my spot… So, going into my career, I never feared that I was a meek woman that can't talk – I own it." [28.46] The increasing number of women in supply chain, and how we can bring more women into the industry. [30.38] What winning an industry trailblazer award means to Jennie. "It means that I'm doing something meaningful." [31.09] The future for Jennie.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Jennie over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in marketing and communications, check out 425: Women In Supply Chain™, Josephine Coombe, 245: Women In Supply Chain™, Marina Mayer or 287: Women In Supply Chain™, Jolene Peixoto. Check out our other podcasts HERE.