She Supply Chains

33: The $1 Trillion Challenge: Sylvia Ng on Tackling E-commerce Waste

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.
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Connect with Sylvia and check out Amidria!

32: The Ripple Effect of Encouragement: Camille Batiste on How One Conversation Changes Everything

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!

31: Beyond the Bylines: Unearthing Supply Chain's Hidden Heroes with Marina Mayer

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!

30: Trust, Foresight, and Collaboration: Supriya Madhavi Bal on Leading Commercialization in Global Markets

This week, we welcome Supriya Madhavi, whose 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. 
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Connect with Supriya!

29: From Freight to Founder: Sarah Barnes-Humphrey's Supply Chain Evolution

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. 
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Connect with Sarah and check out her podcasts, Let's Talk Supply Chain and Blended!

28: Beyond the Bio: Courtney & Katie Unscripted Answers to Your Questions

In this episode, we answer listener questions. We reflect on our self-descriptions, 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. 
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27: The Art and Science of Supply Chain: Inspiring the Next Generation with Stephanie Thomas

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. 
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Connect with Stephanie!

26: Looking Around Corners with Michelle Tartalio: Strategic Thinking in Today's Supply Chains

This week, we welcome Michelle Tartalio, the head of marketing and corporate strategy for Clarkston Consulting. She has an impressive background in supply chain and consulting. Michelle has advised a variety of Fortune 500 executives and board directors in industries including consumer products, life sciences, retail, and internet software and services. Michelle is passionate about helping companies enhance strategic decision-making, improve operational efficiency, implement new technologies, and promote business growth and market diversification.
The conversation delves into the skills necessary for strategic thinking and the nuances of different industries in shaping corporate strategies. Michelle discusses the significance of industry expertise in supply chain management, the journey to securing board positions, and the challenges boards face today. She also shares insights on the value of nonprofit board experience and the importance of networking for board opportunities.
Connect with us!Connect with Michelle!
 

25: The Human Side of Supply Chain Transformation with Wanda Johnson

This week, we welcome Wanda Johnson, a Supply Chain Technology Fellow at Deloitte Consulting. We discuss Wanda's extensive background in supply chain and the importance of mentorship and community among women in the industry. The conversation delves into misconceptions about supply chain transformation, the challenges faced during implementation, and the critical role of people in technology adoption. Wanda shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences and offers insights on engaging with consultants for successful supply chain projects. She discusses the importance of clearly defining problems in supply chain management, the need for effective communication and stakeholder involvement, and the significance of preparing the workforce for future technological advancements. She emphasizes the value of mentorship and community engagement, sharing personal experiences and insights on leadership and personal growth.
Connect with Wanda!
Join us on April 25th for our Networking Masterclass!
You will get the inside scoop on networking that actually works and the advantages of building connections as women in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

24: Chicago Roots & Global Routes: Cindy Cochovity's Supply Chain Journey

This week, we welcome Cindy Cochovity, Chief Commercial Officer at FreightPath. She shares her journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a leader in the supply chain industry. She discusses her educational experiences, career transitions, and the challenges faced in both large and tech-first companies. Cindy emphasizes the importance of adapting education for the next generation and reflects on the significant changes in the industry, particularly due to COVID-19. In this conversation, Cindy discusses the transformative impact of technology on work dynamics, particularly in the logistics industry. She emphasizes the importance of innovative business strategies and the integration of AI in future initiatives. Cindy shares valuable leadership lessons from her career, highlighting the significance of kindness and networking for upcoming supply chain leaders. 
Connect with Cindy!
Join us on April 25th for our Networking Masterclass!
You will get the inside scoop on networking that actually works and the advantages of building connections as women in traditionally male-dominated fields.