She Supply Chains

44: The Anti-Fragile Supply Chain with Anna McGovern

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Founder and CEO of Pondview Consulting Anna McGovern joins hosts us to discuss the evolution of global supply chains from fragile networks into strategic engines of innovation. Drawing from over 35 years of powerhouse experience across manufacturing, CPG, private equity, and nonprofits, Anna breaks down her proven strategies for helping companies "find the money," turn chaotic disruptions into a competitive advantage, and build high-performing procurement organizations.
She shares valuable leadership lessons from her extensive career—recounting her path from an early materials planner to leading global procurement at Unilever. Anna dives deep into her framework for strategic partnerships, emphasizing that relationships are the foundation of any thriving enterprise, and introduces her concept of "antifragility," where systems actually grow stronger under stress. Beyond the corporate boardroom, she talks about fostering industry collaboration and having fun through her global networking initiative, the Source to Shelf happy hour.
✨ Connect with Anna!
📱LinkedIn | Anna McGovern
📘Order Anna's Book | Antifragile Supply Chains: Building Resilience Through Better Strategy and Stronger Partnerships
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here:
Pondview Consulting - Antifragile Supply Chains: The Next Generation of Productivity
Harvard Business Review - Realizing the Value of Strategic Supplier Partnerships
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43: Supply Chain in a VUCA World: Priscilla Burke on Risk, Resilience, and Relationships

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Priscilla Burke, Head of Supplier Risk Management at Stanley Black & Decker, joins us to discuss the critical importance of resilient and responsible sourcing practices. Priscilla recounts her non-linear journey from growing up in Barbados to navigating high-stakes supply chain disruptions along the US-Mexico border, highlighting how curiosity and strategic pivots helped her guide her risk management team through the chaos of COVID-19 and beyond.
She shares the details behind her award-winning ESG framework at Stanley Black & Decker and breaks down the human-centered philosophy powering her "BISCO" value system. Beyond the logistics, Priscilla offers powerful leadership insights, tackling the danger of decision-making paralysis—which she calls the quietest leadership killer of all—and the importance of staying agile in an unpredictable global market.
 
✨ Connect with Priscilla!
📱LinkedIn | Priscilla Burke
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here:
Harvard Business Review - How to Overcome Decision Paralysis in a Crisis
McKinsey & Company - Shoring Up Supply Chain Resilience on the US-Mexico Border
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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42: Equity in Action: Mikisha Nation on Reimagining the Education Supply Chain

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Mikisha Nation, Executive Director of Teach For America Twin Cities, joins hosts Katie and Courtney to discuss what it truly takes to reimagine education so that every student can thrive. Mikisha shares her inspiring personal journey from Jamaica to the U.S., reflecting on how her early experiences in Bridgeport, Connecticut ignited a lifelong commitment to educational equity.
With an impressive leadership career spanning the federal government, corporate America, and the non-profit sector, Mikisha offers a multi-dimensional perspective on system change. Whether your background is in supply chain, STEM, or corporate leadership, she bridges the gap between sector strategies and community impact, leaving listeners with actionable insights on fostering equity, building talent pipelines, and driving purpose-driven collaboration.
✨ Connect with Mikisha!
📱LinkedIn | Mikisha Nation
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here:
Stanford University / TFA Research - Evidence on High-Dosage Tutoring Pathways
Harvard Business Review - How Corporate Leaders Can Drive Cross-Sector Social Impact
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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41: Operations with Purpose: Batala McFarlane's Blueprint for Non-Profit Impact

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Batala McFarlane, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Twin Cities, joins hosts Katie and Courtney to share how a community can build a resilient "supply chain of care." Batala discusses her inspiring transition from a 25-year career in media—where she helmed her family’s historic newspaper—to leading a visionary, long-term mentoring nonprofit.
She breaks down the profound generational impact of committing to a 12-year professional mentorship for youth facing systemic barriers, highlighting why investing in people (from salaried mentors to strategic partners) is the ultimate foundation for community resilience. Beyond the logistics of nonprofit operations, Batala shares her deep passion for literacy and leadership development, emphasizing why creating space for rest, joy, and authenticity is vital to building healthier communities.
✨ Connect with Batala!
📱LinkedIn | Batala McFarlane
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here: 
Stanford Social Innovation Review - Building Lifelines: The Power of Long-Term Youth Mentorship
Harvard Business Review - The Power of Rest: Why Leaders Need Space for Joy and Authenticity
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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40: The Power of Your Network: Lessons from Jenn Kobus's Career Transitions

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Jennifer Kobus, Global Supply Chain & Operations Executive at REI, joins us to dive into the transformative power of strategic networking. Jennifer recounts her incredible multi-industry journey, sharing how she navigated the distinct operational complexities of 3PL operations, food and beverage, automotive, and, most recently, major outdoor retail.
She pulls back the curtain on how building and maintaining a powerful, authentic network serves as the ultimate catalyst for career transitions and professional resilience. Beyond the supply chain grid, Jennifer discusses her holistic approach to leadership—including her experience becoming an elected school board official—offering masterclass insights on community impact, personal branding, and why your network truly dictates your net worth in an evolving global market.
✨ Connect with Jennifer!
📱LinkedIn | Jennifer Kobus
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here: 
Harvard Business Review - How to Build a Better Network for Career Transitions
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals - Navigating Cross-Industry Operational Leadership
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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39: The "Yes Girl" Mindset in Supply Chain: How MK Greenberg Embraces Opportunity

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, MK Greenberg, Value Engineer at Celonis, joins us to discuss how data literacy and emerging technologies are completely redefining supply chain efficiency. MK walks us through her diverse career journey, drawing on her supply chain experiences at retail giant TJX and the fast-paced startup Perch to highlight the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and learning from operational mistakes.
She dives deep into the transformative impact of process mining and AI, sharing masterclass insights on how to translate complex, highly technical solutions into tangible business value for clients. Beyond the data points, MK opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on overcoming hardships and navigating the exciting transition into motherhood—to deliver a powerful message on resilience, adaptability, and authentic leadership.
✨ Connect with MK!
📱LinkedIn | MK Greenberg
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here: 
Gartner - The Role of Data Literacy and AI in Modern Supply Chain Strategy
Harvard Business Review - Translating Tech: How to Explain Complex Solutions to Clients
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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38: From Chemical Engineer to Chief Supply Chain Officer: Josh Chou's Path in Supply Chain

In this episode of the She Supply Chains Podcast, Josh Chou, Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) at McCormick, joins us as the show's very first male ally. Together, they delve into the critical importance of intentional allyship, equity, and diversity in today's global workplace. Josh shares invaluable insights from his multi-industry supply chain experiences, highlighting how to foster truly inclusive corporate environments and navigate the unique cultural challenges that arise along the way.
Drawing on his impressive climb through various senior leadership positions, Josh reflects on the transformative power of mentorship and the enduring lessons he learned from his own mentors. He breaks down how effective, people-first leadership doesn't just elevate individual careers—it builds resilient, agile cultures capable of transforming entire global organizations.
✨ Connect with Josh!
📱LinkedIn | Josh Chou
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here:
Harvard Business Review - How Male Allies Can Support Women inside Male-Dominated Industries
Gartner - Building a Culture of Supply Chain Leadership and Mentorship
✨ Connect with us!
📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
📱TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@shesupplychainspodcast
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37: Season 3 Kick Off: Courtney & Katie Unscripted Supply Chain Q&A

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!
📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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36: She Supply Chains Classic: The Heart of Operations – Erika Thiem's Journey to Nonprofit Leadership

In this special She Supply Chains Classic episode, we are counting down to Season 3 by revisiting some of the show's top-performing episodes. With over 8,000 downloads across 70 countries, the global community is growing rapidly—and things are just getting started! This week's flashback highlights Erika Thiem, Chief Supply Chain Officer for Feeding America, as she discusses her mission to build a hunger-free nation. Erika shares how her team tackles the complex logistics of food insecurity, working to make agricultural production more sustainable while expanding nutritious food access to communities in need.
Erika recounts her inspiring 30-year journey as a female trailblazer in operations, drawing on her technical roots as an Iowa State Chemical Engineering graduate and a University of Minnesota MBA alum. She gives listeners an inside look at the intersection of supply chain and policy, sharing details from her recent advocacy work on Capitol Hill to protect critical SNAP benefits for 40 million Americans. As Erika prepares for her retirement, this episode serves as a powerful tribute to a career dedicated to purposeful, high-impact leadership. Congratulations, Erika!
✨ Connect with Erika!
📱LinkedIn | Erika Thiem
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here: 
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - The Importance of Protecting SNAP Benefits
Food Logistics - How Food Banks Build Sustainable, Climate-Resilient Supply Chains
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📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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35: She Supply Chains Classic: Sousan Ortega on AI, Automation, and Empowering Frontline Teams

In this special She Supply Chains Classic episode, we are counting down to Season 3 by revisiting some of the show's top-performing episodes. With over 8,000 downloads across 70 countries, it’s been incredible to grow this global community—and things are just getting started! This week's flashback highlights Sousan Ortega, Senior Vice President of Field Operations in Target’s global supply chain and logistics organization. Sousan breaks down the immense operational scale of providing leadership oversight to more than 40 distribution, fulfillment, and flow centers across the United States.
She shares rich insights from her extensive career journey, diving into the complexities of modern omni-channel retail and the evolving expectations of today's consumers. Sousan discusses how cutting-edge automation and AI are enhancing efficiency on the warehouse floor, while emphasizing that effective communication, team alignment, and a culture of engagement are what truly drive a diverse workforce. Beyond the data, she opens up about her personal journey as a new mother navigating a male-dominated corporate environment, offering powerful lessons on resilience, accountability, and the absolute necessity of self-advocacy.
✨ Connect with Sousan!
📱LinkedIn | Sousan Ortega
💻 Learn more on the topics discussed here: 
Supply Chain Dive - How Big-Box Retailers Leverage Automation and Warehouse Tech
CNBC - Balancing Motherhood and Corporate Ambition in Logistics
✨ Connect with us!
📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-supply-chains/
📱INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shesupplychainspodcast/
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