She Supply Chains

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, VP of Product Management at Redzone Blake Strickland joins hosts Katie and Courtney to discuss the transformative power of connected worker technology in manufacturing. Blake recounts her journey from a chemical engineering student at Ohio State to an industry leader, highlighting how digital tools and real-time data can empower the frontline, reduce turnover, and foster a "winning mentality" through friendly competition. She shares impactful success stories, including a produce plant that achieved a 60% reduction in turnover using specialized learning modules, and discusses the future of AI in manufacturing as a tool to solve problems before they even happen. Beyond the technology, Blake offers an "unfiltered truth" for women in male-dominated fields, reflecting on a time when her college engineering building lacked proper women's restrooms to emphasize the importance of authenticity and finding one’s voice.   ✨ Connect with Blake! 📱LinkedIn | Blake   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Gartner - Future of Work Trends 2026 Samsung Business Insights - A Day in the Life of a Connected Manufacturing Worker ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it  

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, we sit down with Jodi Mayers, a former corporate executive turned professional stylist. Jodi shares her journey from human resources and consulting at giants like Wells Fargo and Cargill to founding her own wardrobing service. We explore how she uses her corporate background to help women view their wardrobes not as a vanity, but as a strategic business tool for building credibility and influence.   ✨ Connect with Jodi! 📱Instagram | Jodi Get tickets for Style Edina Weekend 2026 — May 29-31!   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Why the best leaders treat their wardrobe like a strategic tool - Fast Company Building Your Business Professional Wardrobe on a Budget - Pearson ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it  

This episode of She Supply Chains features Sharron and Trea Northern, a dynamic duo who have navigated over two decades in the industry as a dual-career couple. Throughout their journey across Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas, the Northerns explain that their success is rooted in a fundamental commitment to partnership and alignment, which included intentionally deciding whose career would take the "lead" at different stages of their life. The conversation also explores leadership and the evolving workforce, with Trea highlighting how vulnerability and grit are essential for building a culture where employees "root for each other," while Sharron discusses the critical need for critical thinking and AI fluency. The episode concludes with evergreen advice on resilience, specifically the "three-prong pie" analogy, which emphasizes that life is rarely perfectly balanced across health, family, and career.   ✨ Connect with Trea and Sharron! 📱LinkedIn | Sharron 📱LinkedIn | Trea   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  How dual-career couples find fulfillment at work Supply Chain Trends for 2025: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Innovation in supply chain is the core focus of today's conversation. Courtney and Katie sit down with Veena Radhakrishna, the Co-Founder and Head of Software at Cartesian Kinetics, to discuss how her team builds robotics specifically for warehouses. The discussion explores the challenges of automating legacy (brownfield) warehouses, which represent 80% of existing facilities. These sites are often overlooked by the first wave of automation due to high costs, floor prep requirements, and potential downtime. Veena explains how her team’s modular approach allows for rapid, non-disruptive installation in just 8 to 10 weeks—a timeline virtually unheard of in the industry. ✨ Connect with Venna! 📱LinkedIn | Veena 📱Cartesian Kinetics Inc   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Why We Invested in Cartesian Kinetics? — Kae Capital Automating Brownfield Warehouses With Cartesian Kinetics   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Supply chain leadership meets community impact in this episode. We are joined by Toni Scott, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Second Harvest Heartland, who shares her journey from a 20-year career at General Mills to leading one of the nation's largest hunger-relief organizations.  Toni Scott describes the supply chain as a complex, end-to-end "puzzle". This problem-solving mindset is now applied to Second Harvest Heartland, where she manages a "neighbor-first" strategy that prioritizes community needs over traditional corporate margins. A major focus of her leadership has been "shortening the line" by utilizing data and advocacy to address the root causes of hunger, such as housing and childcare, rather than just providing emergency food support. ✨ Connect with Toni! 📱LinkedIn | Toni 📱Second Harvest Heartland   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Lean Principles: A Mechanism for Nonprofit Organizations' Growth and Sustainability Feeding Dignity: A 2026 Blueprint for Food Aid in a Divided World   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it    

This episode explores the supply chain and sustainability. Julie Johnson, the owner and winemaker of Tres Sabores, shares her story of moving to Napa in 1980 and building a winery based on "love and osmosis". She discusses the "three flavors" in every glass: the vine, the terroir, and good company. The conversation dives deep into the heart of authentic winemaking, exploring how Julie honors the diverse cultures of the valley and the indigenous history of the land. She also provides invaluable advice for women looking to break into the male-centric viticulture industry, emphasizing education, community, and hands-on experience   ✨ Connect with Julie! 📱tressabores.com 📱Instagram | Tres Sabores   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  The Environmental Impact of Wine Bottles Understanding Regenerative Viticulture   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it  

This week we are thrilled to welcome Jim Wetzel, a true supply chain expert and "constructive disruptor". Jim’s journey spans from his start as a sheet metal worker to leading digital transformation as the former CEO of the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute. He spent over three decades at General Mills in roles that often didn't even exist before he stepped into them. Today, we’re diving into why 90% of AI projects fail, the difference between management and leadership, and how to stop serving up "no sandwiches" to your boss.    ✨ Connect with Jim! 📱LinkedIn | Jim   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Set the Right Mindset for Smart Manufacturing IoT & Manufacturing: How Innovation Transforms the Value Chain   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode of the She Supply Chains podcast, we dive into the world of supply chain strategy with Manika Bhargava, the Director of Integrated Supply Chain at Dow. Manika shares her journey from being one of only eight people in her MBA class to major in supply chain to leading a global team in Mumbai that acts as a strategic "Global Capability Center" (GCC) for Dow. The discussion explores how these centers have evolved from simple cost-savings hubs into "innovation engines" that harmonize global processes and drive digital transformation through AI. Manika also offers tactical advice on process improvement, emphasizing the need to avoid "over-engineering" by staying focused on the end-to-end objective and sitting with teams to find the "hidden" bottlenecks not found in handbooks.   ✨ Connect with Manika! 📱LinkedIn | Manika   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) Take Strategic Role In Global Enterprises By 2026 Supply Chain Trends for 2026 – From Agentic AI to Orchestration   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This conversation highlights major career transitions: Katie has returned to manufacturing and engineering at General Mills after 15 years, while Courtney celebrates six months at 3M. We dive into the realities of "supply chain complexity," discussing the need to move away from the "tyranny of the urgent" toward long-term resiliency and architectural efficiency. Finally, in honor of Women’s History Month, we reflect on the importance of sharing "hidden figure" stories and conclude with a special birthday request for listeners to leave ratings and reviews to help boost the podcast’s visibility. 💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Managing Supply Chain Risk in Uncertain Times 2026 in Manufacturing: Policy Risks and Opportunities   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action      🎂Help us celebrate Katie's Birthday!!  Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode, Maria Villablanca, a prominent supply chain influencer and CEO, explains why 90% of transformations fail. As the co-founder of Future Insights Network and host of the Transform Talks podcast, she brings insights from over 200 interviews with global executives. Maria identifies the root cause of failure as a neglect of the human element and a lack of a clear "why" behind the change. She advocates for a strategy where technology is the final step, implemented only after defining outcomes and aligning people and processes. The conversation also redefines the "leader of the future," prioritizing commercial savvy and people skills over technical abilities like coding. Maria encourages leaders to become vocal storytellers of their business value to navigate the current "flock of black swans". ✨ Connect with Maria! 📱LinkedIn | Maria 📱mariavillablanca.com   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Corporate Ozempic: If you want to understand how AI is trimming corporate America Foot Locker COO names 4 skills crucial to supply chain leaders   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it  

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Kristy Ryan, Chief Operating Officer at Move for Hunger, breaks down how she transitioned from a diverse background in insurance into the world of logistics. She describes Move for Hunger as a logistics nonprofit that views waste and inefficiencies as underutilized capacity rather than failures. A major focus of the conversation is the "Charity Freight" model, which Kristy helped launch to address the fact that 55 truckloads of food and beverage items are lost per shipper annually. This reverse logistics model captures value by redirecting surplus food through existing lanes without adding new trucks or emissions. Kristy also challenges the misconception that nonprofits are less efficient than the private sector, arguing that missions deserve discipline and that efficiency is the most compassionate option because it ensures resources reach those in need faster.  ✨ Connect with Kristy! 📱LinkedIn - Kristy   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  ReFED Insights: How Food Waste Reduction Is Taking Shape In 2026 Food Logistics: Top 5 Food Waste Trends to Expect in 2026   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this special "Kidsode," our host Courtney is put in the hot seat by a very special guest interviewer: her daughter, Harper! They dive into the "why" behind the podcast, the hurdles of starting something new, and what it feels like to find your voice in a male-dominated industry.   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode of She Supply Chains, we go behind the scenes of the furniture industry. Guest Megan Fischer, COO of Sundays, Moe's Home Collection, and Hetta, discusses her fascinating transition from the fast-paced world of fashion at Aritzia to the high-stakes, "big and bulky" world of furniture logistics. Megan shares how she applies a "grid thinker" mindset to disorganized spaces, her strategies for managing the "nine lives" of a varied career, and her hard-won advice on why brands should prioritize system configuration over custom coding. Whether discussing her childhood habit of inventorying Halloween candy or the "Bible" of product lifecycle calendars, Megan’s insights offer a masterclass in building resilient, integrated teams that can navigate the messy realities of global operations without losing their creative spark.   ✨ Connect with Megan! 📱LinkedIn | Megan Fischer   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  "It's a tough industry out there": A look at the furniture supply chain's challenging year ERP Customization vs. Configuration: What's the Difference?   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode of She Supply Chains, we sit down with Angela Dodd, founder of Females in Food and a 20-year veteran of the food and beverage industry. From her beginnings as a bakery scientist to becoming a commercial sales leader, Angela shares her philosophy on "creating your own recipe" and advocates for a stronger bench of women leaders across the global supply chain. To accelerate career growth, Angela emphasizes "ruthless prioritization," focusing only on the "needle-moving" KPIs that drive results while letting go of administrative noise. She challenges women to separate their identity from their job titles and to move away from constantly seeking feedback in favor of asking for access to new rooms and opportunities.   ✨ Connect with Angela! 📱Females In Food Home - Females In Food   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  McKinsey & Co. | Women in the Workplace 2024 Females in Food | State of Industry Results 2025   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Beecher, a leader in supply chain and the VP of Operations at Reduce, to explore the intersection of technical discipline and global leadership. Kelly shares how her background as a licensed customs broker and former internal auditor allows her to identify "red flag" process gaps and utilize "tariff engineering" to optimize duty rates through strategic product design. From managing high-stakes biotech "million-dollar molecules" to overseeing the unprecedented growth of stainless steel drinkware, she emphasizes that documentation and change control are non-negotiable for scalability. Beyond the spreadsheets, Kelly reflects on the endurance required for both triathlons and leadership, her upcoming move to China with her young family, and the essential reminder that you must own your career path more thoughtfully than anyone else   ✨ Connect with Kelly! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-marie-halloran/   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Navigating Trade Uncertainty: The Top 5 Customs Issues Defining 2026 Retail Chargebacks Explained: The 7 Common Mistakes Suppliers Make   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode, Billy Boren, VP of Supply Chain at Duke Cannon, joins the She Supply Chains podcast to discuss the stark differences between operating in a global conglomerate like General Mills versus a nimble, high-growth brand. Billy shares his "Hero, Hardship, and Highlight" story, offering a vulnerable look at how personal adversity shaped his leadership style. From navigating the complexities of plant closures to managing a 30% production loss after a factory fire, Billy emphasizes that success always comes back to one thing: the people. ✨ Connect with Billy! 📱LinkedIn: Billy Brac Boren | LinkedIn   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Supply Chain Risk Management: Large Corporations vs. SMEs Building Trust with Your Manufacturing Workforce During Transformation   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Chef Ann Ahmed joins us to discuss supply chain leadership and the power of resilience. In this special on-location episode recorded at Khâluna, the acclaimed chef-owner of Lat 14, Lemon Grass, and Gai Noi sits down to discuss how she operationalizes compassion and navigates risk in the high-pressure culinary world. Chef Ann shares her incredible journey, from buying her first restaurant over the phone without seeing the kitchen to expanding her empire during the pandemic to revitalize her community. She opens up about the Laotian concept of "Oat-ton," her transition from a teacher to a "boss lady," and how she balances the rigid demands of business with the flexibility needed to thrive.   ✨ Connect with Chef Ann! 📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefannahmed/ 💻Learn more about leadership and resilience here:  "Leadership turmoil threatens supply chain resilience, Gartner survey finds"  "Why better supply chain visibility is critical in 2025"   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast   💵 Arise Financial Check out Arise Financial Coaching and their Financial Goal Accelerator program, and let them know She Supply Chains sent you!   🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode, we reflect on our journey through the past year, discussing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Emphasizing the importance of community, curiosity, and the human element in supply chains while looking forward to the upcoming season and new initiatives. ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this episode, we sit down with Carolina De La Paz, a 16-year veteran at Lenovo and the founder of the Women Enhancing Logistics (WEL) program. Carolina shares her journey from "the jungle" of Latin American operations to leading global network transformation. We dive deep into how she is practically applying Artificial Intelligence to create an intelligent supply chain, the importance of finding a higher purpose in day-to-day tasks, and why successful careers are built on consistency rather than just fleeting motivation. Keywords: supply chain, logistics, women in business, mentorship, AI in operations, project management, career development, intrapreneurship, network transformation, Lenovo   ✨ Connect with Carolina! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-de-la-paz   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

In this engaging conversation, Sofia Rivas Herrera shares her journey from a curious child in Guadalajara, Mexico, to a passionate advocate for supply chain management. She discusses the importance of creativity in engineering, her experiences in the supply chain industry, and her mission to amplify Latin voices. The conversation also touches on the significance of storytelling, cultural nuances in global teams, and the challenges women face in taking up space and building confidence in their careers. Keywords: supply chain, Latin voices, storytelling, confidence, cultural nuances, engineering, creativity, women in STEM, global teams, problem-solving   ✨ Connect with Sofia! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-rivas-herrera/   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Supply chain leadership is the focus this week as we welcome John Church, whose career at General Mills spans over three decades of guiding everything from product development to global strategy. Known for his servant leadership style, John excels at connecting business agendas with operational execution while mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. In this conversation, John reflects on his journey from developing Multigrain Cheerios to leading massive integrations like the Pillsbury acquisition and ultimately serving as Chief Supply Chain Officer. He shares why the basics of the industry still hold true despite changes in technology and speed, the essential nature of servant leadership, and how his transition into board leadership has provided a fresh perspective on guiding complex organizations. ✨ Connect with John! 📱LinkedIn - John   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Darden Ideas to Action (2026) Korn Ferry: Featured Insights (2025)   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This week, we welcome Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of YMX Logistics. Erin describes herself as a logistics and operations nerd, someone who thrives at the intersection of people, technology, and supply chain. Erin spent over two decades at Kraft Heinz, leading major transformation projects, overseeing logistics operations, and even spearheading the design and execution of an automated Mega Distribution Center. After building her career inside one of the world’s largest consumer packaged goods companies, Erin made the bold decision to step into the unknown. Leaving the comfort of a global enterprise to become employee number two at a startup.  ✨ Connect with Erin! 📱LinkedIn - Erin   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Transportation Today: Kraft Heinz to Invest in Automated CPG Distribution Center First Round Review: Read This Before Joining as Employee 1 to 20 at a Startup   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This short and sweet episode is a reminder that gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re leading a team, supporting colleagues, or simply connecting with friends and family, appreciation is free and powerful. Join the Movement! Share your gratitude stories on Instagram or LinkedIn with #SheSupplyChains 💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Sid Meadows: Why Gratitude Is a Leadership Strategy (2026) ADAA: Gratitude - A Mental Health Game Changer   ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This week, we're diving into a powerful and transformative principle that applies to every facet of your professional and personal life. You get what you tolerate. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated by inefficiencies, or like you’re settling for "good enough," this episode is for you. Inspired by a thought from Dr. Julie Gurner, we're challenging you to reflect on where you might be tolerating "less than" in your career, from vendor relationships and team performance to your own personal growth. We’ll also cover how women leaders can model elevated expectations while maintaining empathy and inclusivity. 💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  HBR: Why Good Managers Let Bad Behaviors Slide Forbes: How Women Leaders Can Set High Standards Without Losing Their Team ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

 This week, we welcome Val Mack, a supply‑chain leader who’s worked across operations, logistics, and now people and culture. Val calls supply chain the “heartbeat” of a business, with people and leadership its heart. In this episode, Val tells the story of stepping straight from a development program into supervising factory shifts, explains the lessons of leading across generations and diverse teams, and shares practical leadership habits that keep teams healthy and productive. ✨ Connect with Val! 📱LinkedIn - Val   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  ReFED Insights: How Food Waste Reduction Is Taking Shape In 2026 Food Logistics: Top 5 Food Waste Trends to Expect in 2026 ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This week, we welcome Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). Kathy leads the nonprofit that connects private-sector logistics capacity with disaster-impacted communities to get food, water, medical supplies, and critical services where they are needed most. Kathy explains how ALAN decides when and where to activate, why donated services like transportation, forklifts, and warehousing often deliver far more value than boxes of unsolicited goods, and how simple supply‑chain thinking can prevent wasted effort and landfill-bound donations. She shares hard lessons from Hurricane Harvey, Puerto Rico, Maui, and recent U.S. storms, and offers practical ways individuals and companies can strengthen community resilience. ✨ Connect with Kathy! 📱LinkedIn - Kathy   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  USAID CIDI: The Critical Role of Logistics in Humanitarian Aid FEMA: Partnering with the Private Sector for Emergency Management ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This week, we welcome Shelley Smith, Senior R&D and Lab Operations leader at Boston Beer Company, a chemical engineer turned brewer, one of only 28 Master Cicerones in the world, and the creator of the marathon-inspired 26.2 brew. Shelley walks us through how a new beer goes from idea to shelf, the surprising upstream supply-chain constraints that shape production, and the R&D tactics her team uses to test quickly and scale thoughtfully. We talk yeast and flavor, the booming extremes in beer (high-alcohol flavor bombs and sophisticated non-alcoholic options), leadership lessons from long study hours to asking for help, and practical advice for founders on getting scrappy without over-scaling.    ✨ Connect with Shelly! 📱LinkedIn - Shelly   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  IFT: Scaling Up - The Intersection of Food Science and Brewing Operations IWSR: The Evolution of No- and Low-Alcohol Transitions in Craft Brewing ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Supply chain for social impact is the focus as we welcome Simone Hardeman-Jones, a policy expert and the founding Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities. From her time on Capitol Hill and in the Obama Administration to her current mission of transforming communities through locally driven change, Simone shares her journey of leadership and humility. This conversation highlights how listening to community voices creates the most efficient "delivery system" for lasting social impact. ✨ Connect with Simone! 📱LinkedIn - Simone Check out GreenLight Fund 💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  Stanford Social Innovation Review: Using Venture Philanthropy to Scale What Works Nonprofit Quarterly: The Power of Proximity in Social Justice Leadership ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

Building a career in the supply chain and freight tech sector is our focus as we welcome Carly Gunby, VP of Revenue at Transfix. From her beginnings as an Art History major to her current leadership role in a high-growth technology firm, Carly shares a powerful perspective on navigating this ever-changing field. Her journey highlights the importance of problem-solving, resilience, and a people-centered approach, proving that confidence and curiosity are the ultimate tools for mastering the human side of logistics. ✨ Connect with Carly! 📱LinkedIn - Carly   💻Learn more on the topics discussed here:  FreightWaves: The Human Element in Digital Freight Brokerage Supply Chain Dive: Why the Next Generation of Logistics Leaders Won't All Have Supply Chain Degrees ✨ Connect with us! 📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/ 📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/ 📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast 🎧 Call to Action Follow She Supply Chains on your favorite podcast app Leave us a review — it helps more listeners find the show Share this episode with someone you think would love it

This week, we welcome Amy Morgan, a licensed U.S. customs broker and global trade compliance leader who has worked at powerhouse companies like Nordstrom, Costco, and Amazon, and is now driving innovation at AI tech startup Altana. From navigating tariffs and sanctions to building resilient supply chains, Amy has lived through and helped shape some of the biggest moments in global trade over the past 25 years. In this episode, she shares her journey, her passion for turning compliance into strategy, and how curiosity, backbone, and service guide her leadership. You might find yourself wanting to be a trade nerd by the end of this conversation! Connect with us! Connect with Amy!

This week, we welcome Regenia R. Sanders, Managing Partner at Ernst & Young in Atlanta and a supply chain leader with more than 25 years of experience driving transformation across industries. From her unconventional path into supply chain to leading regional practices at Accenture and EY, Regenia has seen firsthand how technology, analytics, and resilience are reshaping the field. Beyond her professional impact, she’s passionate about mentorship, community, and even building her own wine expertise.  Connect with us! Connect with Regenia!

In this live episode celebrating the one-year anniversary of the She Supply Chains podcast, we reflect on our journey, share milestones, and engage with our audience. We discuss favorite moments, insights gained from guests, and the importance of community. The episode also highlights future aspirations, including growth and new initiatives. Connect with us! 

This week, we welcome Anna McGovern, a consultant and author with over 35 years of experience across manufacturing, CPG, private equity, nonprofit, and now her own firm, Pondview Consulting. From her early days in material planning to leading global procurement at Unilever, Anna’s journey is packed with lessons in resilience, negotiation, and strategic partnerships. She’s here to share how she helps companies “find the money,” turn chaos into competitive advantage, and build supplier relationships that actually drive innovation. She’s also the founder of the Source to Shelf happy hour, a global community of supply chain pros who know how to collaborate and have fun. Let’s dive in. Connect with us! Connect with Anna and check out her book- Antifragile Supply Chains: Building Resilience Through Better Strategy and Stronger Partnerships !

This week, we welcome Priscilla Burke, head of supplier risk management at Stanley Black & Decker and a passionate advocate for resilient and responsible sourcing practices. From growing up in Barbados to navigating supply chain disruptions along the US-Mexico border, Priscilla’s journey is anything but linear. She shares how curiosity and strategic pivots helped her lead a high-stakes risk management team through COVID and beyond. You’ll hear about her ESG framework that won an award at Stanley Black & Decker, the human-centered philosophy behind her BISCO value system, and why she believes decision-making paralysis might be the quietest leadership killer of all. Connect with us! Connect with Priscilla!

This week, we welcome Mikisha Nation, Executive Director of Teach For America Twin Cities, a national non-profit organization that believes all students should have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. Mikisha is a dynamic leader whose journey from Jamaica to the U.S. shaped her passion for educational equity. From her early experiences in Bridgeport, Connecticut to her work in the federal government, corporate America, and now nonprofit leadership, Mikisha brings a rich perspective on what it takes to reimagine education for all students. Whether you're in supply chain, STEM, or simply passionate about community impact, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action. Connect with us! Connect with Mikisha and Teach for America Twin Cities!

As part of our series highlighting non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities, this week, we welcome Batala McFarlane, executive director of Friends of the Children Twin Cities. She’s not just a leader, she’s a visionary who transitioned from a 25-year career in media, helming a family-owned newspaper, to spearheading an innovative mentoring nonprofit. Batala discusses the profound impact of 12-year mentorships for youth facing systemic barriers, and how investing in people—from paid mentors to partners—creates a resilient, impactful supply chain of care. You’ll hear about her passion for literacy, leadership development, and how creating space for rest, joy, and authenticity builds healthier communities. Connect with us! Connect with Batala and Friends of the Children Twin Cities!

This week, we welcome Jennifer Kobus, Global Supply Chain & Operations Executive at REI. Jennifer is a remarkable leader who has navigated the complexities of supply chain across diverse industries, from 3PL operations and food and beverage to automotive and, most recently, retail. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of networking with Jennifer Kobus. Jennifer shares her journey from navigating career transitions to becoming an elected school board official, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining a strong network. Connect with us! Connect with Jennifer!

This week, we welcome MK Greenberg, a value engineer at Celonis. She discusses her supply chain experiences at TJX and a startup called Perch, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities and learning from mistakes. MK highlights the significance of data literacy in supply chain management and the need for effective communication when translating technical solutions for clients. She also delves into the impact of process mining and emerging technologies like AI on supply chain efficiency. Finally, MK reflects on her personal journey, including overcoming hardship and the excitement of becoming a mother. Connect with us! Connect with MK!  

This week, we welcome our first male ally, Josh Chou, CSCO at McCormick. We delve into the importance of allyship and diversity in today's workplace. Josh Chou shares his supply chain experiences and insights on fostering an inclusive environment, the challenges faced, and the transformative power of intentional allyship. Josh shares his journey through various leadership positions and the invaluable lessons learned from mentors along the way. Discover how effective leadership and mentorship can transform not only individual careers but also entire organizations. Connect with us! Connect with Josh!

In this episode, Katie and Courtney answer listener questions. They dive into the complexities of handling last-minute requests in the supply chain. They discuss the balance between pushing back and powering through, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind requests. Tune in to hear their insights on leading with expertise, the power of saying no, and the strategic thinking required to navigate these challenges effectively. Whether you're in supply chain management or just curious about the behind-the-scenes decisions, this episode offers valuable perspectives. Connect with us! Check us out on YouTube!

 We’re counting down to Season 3 by re-releasing some of our top episodes from past seasons. With over 8,000 downloads across 70 countries, it’s been incredible to grow this global community with you—and we’re just getting started. This week, we are highlighting Erika Thiem who is currently the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Feeding America.  With a relentless focus on an America where no one is hungry, she’s working to make food production more sustainable,  increasing access to nutritious food, and solving the complex problem of hunger. Erika’s career has spanned quality, manufacturing, operations, and end-to-end chain. She has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Recently, her organization has participated in meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Congress to help protect SNAP benefits for 40 million people. After 30 years of trailblazing for women in supply chain, Erika is retiring this fall. Congratulations Erika! Connect With Us! Connect With Erika!

For the next three weeks, we are counting down to season 3 by we’re re-releasing some of our top episodes from the past two seasons. With over 8,000 downloads across 70 countries, it’s been incredible to grow this global community with you, and we’re just getting started. Sousan Ortega is the Senior Vice President of Field Operations in Target’s global supply chain and logistics organization.  In this role she provides leadership oversight to 40+ distribution, fulfillment and flow centers across the United States.   She shares her extensive experience discussing her career journey, the complexities of supply chain operations, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. She highlights the evolving expectations in retail, the role of AI and automation in enhancing efficiency, and the significance of effective communication and team alignment within a large organization. Sousan discusses the importance of fostering a culture of engagement and accountability within a diverse workforce. Additionally, she shares her journey as a new mother navigating a male-dominated environment, highlighting the challenges and the importance of self-advocacy.  Connect with us! Connect with Sousan!

For the next three weeks, we are counting down to season 3 by we’re re-releasing some of our top episodes from the past two seasons. With over 8,000 downloads across 70 countries, it’s been incredible to grow this global community with you, and we’re just getting started. Today’s episode features Sabrina Carr, currently leading Integrated Business Planning for the Clorox Cleaning Division. Sabrina is a seasoned supply chain expert with over 15 years of experience guiding global strategies from sourcing and innovation to transportation and customer delivery. She’s known for building effective, scalable solutions even in the face of ambiguity and leading high-performing cross-functional teams with authenticity and purpose. Sign up for our mailing list! Connect with Sabrina!

This week we welcome Sylvia Ng, tech veteran, environmental advocate, CEO of ReturnBear, and founder of Amidira, a purpose-driven cancer care brand. From her early days at Shopify to building a company tackling one of e-commerce’s biggest hidden problems- product returns. Sylvia shares how tech, logistics, and sustainability intersect in powerful ways. We discuss everything from climate anxiety to cross-border returns, why fast fashion and ‘bracketing’ are impacting the planet, and how Sylvia’s personal journey including her fight with cancer helped shape a mission bigger than business. Connect with us! Connect with Sylvia and check out Amidria!

This week, we welcome Camille Batiste, who shares her journey from chemical engineer to global supply chain leader. She is currently the President of the Blackman Grant Group, where she invests in leaders and small businesses, helping to shape the next generation of industry trailblazers. Her impact and leadership have been widely recognized: in 2018, she was named one of the Top Business Women in Illinois by the Illinois Diversity Council and a “Woman Worth Watching” by Profiles in Diversity Journal. Camille also served on the White House National Infrastructure Advisory Council and has chaired the board of the Institute for Supply Management. She reflects on her corporate career at Honeywell and ADM, her passion for mentoring mid-career professionals, and her bold leap into business ownership. Camille emphasizes the power of a growth mindset, taking action, and living a life that makes both your 8-year-old and 80-year-old self proud. Also, she discusses the power of taking action, likening career movement to a GPS that only gives directions once you start driving.  Sign up for our Networking Masterclass designed to help you build meaningful connections that can elevate your career on June 11, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST. Connect with Camille!

This week, we welcome Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Director of Content at Iron Markets, and co-founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum. From juggling family schedules as the “in-house logistics manager” to launching award-winning programs that elevate underrepresented voices, Marina brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. In this episode, we dive into her accidental journey into supply chain, the power of storytelling, building inclusive spaces, and why sometimes the best ideas are the ones you tuck away for the right moment. Sign up for our Networking Masterclass designed to help you build meaningful connections that can elevate your career on June 11, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST. Connect with Marina!

This week, we welcome Supriya Madhavi, whose supply chain career spans diverse roles and geographies in the supply chain world. An award-winning global leader with over 17 years of experience in the FMCG and retail industries across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Supriya shares her journey of leading commercialization and delivering complex strategic CAPEX initiatives, including greenfield and brownfield projects, innovation launches, and building Centers of Excellence. Supriya gives insights on leading global teams, navigating the intersection of strategy and execution, scaling operations across geographies, and the unique challenges of running supply chains in India.  Connect with us! Connect with Supriya!

This week, we welcome Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, founder of podcasts Let's Talk Supply Chain and Blended. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from her family’s freight forwarding business to becoming a champion for diversity and inclusion in supply chain management, reminding us why this industry is so vital and exciting. We explored the evolution of her podcasts, Let's Talk Supply Chain and Blended, and gained valuable insights into her nonprofit initiatives, leadership strategies, and commitment to elevating diverse voices. Sarah left us with powerful advice for aspiring women leaders—authenticity and consistency truly shine in personal branding and career growth.  Connect with us! Connect with Sarah and check out her podcasts, Let's Talk Supply Chain and Blended!

In this episode, we answer listener questions. We reflect on our self-descriptions, supply chain career aspirations, and the challenges faced as women in a male-dominated field. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship, finding one's voice, and the advice we would give to future generations of women in supply chain. We explore various aspects of leadership, including the importance of clarity in communication, the influence of past leaders on our styles, and the challenges faced in difficult situations. We discuss the significance of being relatable and staying connected with team members, as well as the value of learning from both positive and negative experiences.  Connect with us!

This week, we welcome Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor of Practice & Executive Director of WISE at the University of Arkansas. Stephanie has also had experience at giants like Lowe's, IBM, and Stanley Tools. With degrees from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. focused on the fascinating intersection of logistics, supply chain management, and even marketing, Stephanie brings a truly unique perspective. She's passionate about everything from buyer-supplier dynamics and supply chain negotiations to understanding the human element, even the psychology of truck drivers! Beyond the classroom, Stephanie is a driving force as the Executive Director for Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence (WISE) and the founder of the WISE Future Leaders Symposium. Her dedication to empowering women in our industry has earned her global recognition as one of the most influential women in supply chain.  Connect with us! Connect with Stephanie!