Leading with Intention in an AI Driven World

In this episode, host Jim Emerick sits down with Kristen Lowers, Chief Information Officer at Saddle Creek Logistics Services. The conversation explores her unique career journey from marketing and sales into technology leadership, and how she built credibility in IT by starting over and learning from the ground up. The episode also dives into the evolving role of technology in logistics, the importance of leadership and people skills in technical roles, and how companies can use innovation, data, and AI to drive growth and efficiency in supply chain operations.Kristen Lowers is the Chief Information Officer at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a leading third-party logistics company. With over 14 years at the company, she has played a key role in scaling the business and advancing its technology capabilities. Kristen began her career in marketing and sales before transitioning into IT, bringing a unique perspective that blends business strategy with technical expertise. She is also a strong advocate for leadership development, known for applying tools like Energize to Lead and personal leadership philosophies to build high-performing teams.Expect to Learn:How Kristen transitioned from marketing into a successful technology leadership careerWhy stepping back in your career can help you grow into a stronger leaderHow technology enables efficiency and growth in logistics and supply chain operationsThe importance of soft skills, leadership tools, and critical thinking in the age of AIHow diverse team backgrounds can drive better innovation and business outcomesEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:02] – Welcome & Introduction of Kristen Lowers[03:28] – First job in flavour/fragrance industry, international sales, product management[08:25] – Joining Saddle Creek (2013) and taking Jim’s leadership class[13:19] – Saddle Creek’s 60‑year history and “Voyager Warranty” motto[18:28] – Building a diverse IT team with backgrounds in operations, retail, accounting, audit[23:39] – The power of a Personal Leadership Philosophy (PLP)[29:56] – Critical thinking as the most important soft skill in the age of AI[34:28] – Who benefits from Saddle Creek’s services (startups to established companies)[39:23] – Closing remarks and thanks🔗 Connect with the Guest, Kristen Lowers:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-lowers-439b377/👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saddle-creek-logistics-services/👉 Company’s Website: https://www.sclogistics.com/🔗 Connect with the Host, Jim Emerick:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/🔗 More from Choinque:👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque👉 X: https://x.com/choinque👉 Email: [email protected]🔗 More about Leadership Courses: 👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/🔗 Follow the Podcast:👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ