In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by Gina Anderson – software solutionist, high value business leader, supply chain and logistics expert, and C-Suite advisor.
Gina has over 37 years experience in supply chain and logistics, and has led process and cost improvement projects for mega brands like Disney, Honda, Sony, and Louis Vuitton to name just a few. Passionate about helping companies leverage technology to improve their parcel operations, Gina is now Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Reveel, where she’s helping to empower parcel shippers to ship smarter.
Today Gina will be talking all about her career journey; what’s she’s learned from many years spent on boards; the importance of business intelligence; and why she’s a self-confessed parcel fanatic.
SHOW SPONSOR:
Supply & Demand Chain
This year, we received over 400 submissions for our Women In Supply Chain™ award, the highest amount of applications not only for this award but also for all of our awards. What’s more, 118 of those applications were submitted by male counterparts, nominating their boss, co-worker, or associate. Last year, that figure was just at 75. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, a tremendous uptick from last year’s award, which just saw 12 self-nominations. This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. That’s why this award is so important to Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executives. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains. What these female leaders, entrepreneurs, and supply chain professionals are doing continues to push the needle toward excellence, and every year, I feel blessed to celebrate these wonderful women of logistics. And we’re doing just that at this year’s Women In Supply Chain™ Forum, set for Nov. 14-15 in Atlanta. Go to WomeninSupplyChainForum to register and learn more. We’re all better together. Collaboration is key to promoting and supporting Women In Supply Chain™.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[05.54] An introduction to Gina and her role at Reveel.
[06.42] Gina’s career journey, and how she found supply chain.
“Someone early on took a chance on me… Ron wanted to bring me into his freight forwarding business to do sales. So I said: “Well, what does that look like – and what does it pay?!”
[08.24] Why Gina has entered her 7.0 era, and the power of reinvention.
“If you stay stagnant, it’s going to be really hard to feel fulfilled.”
[09.53] Why Gina took the leap from corporate America to entrepreneurship to found the Savii Group in 2010.
“It was powered by purpose. I wanted to help companies drive efficiencies within their supply chain, but then also take part of the money I was helping them save and reinvest that into their people and social good… I couldn’t do the corporate grind at that time in my life. Having kids and being able to create something that was purposeful and impactful was a gamechanger for me.”
[12.04] What Gina learned from entrepreneurship, and how to identify opportunities to pivot.
“If you pay attention, you’ll know when it’s time to pivot, when it’s time to take a passion and reinvent. Having an entrepreneurial spirit isn’t easy, it’s not something that everyone has. But recognize it if you do have it. Because it could be something spectacular.”
[13.47] Gina’s advice for successful networking.
“There’s no secret sauce – it’s just being curious!”
[16.02] From AI to a lack of transparency, the tech trends that supply chain teams need to pay attention to.
[18.55] Gina’s perspective on the industry and where businesses are at with big trends like data, technology, and business intelligence.
“It’s exciting – people are starting to get out of a fear-based mindset, and they’re willing to actually see and experience what’s out there.”
[21.09] Why Gina is a self-proclaimed parcel fanatic.
[22.18] Gina’s experience of sitting on boards, and her advice for others looking to get a seat at the table.
[26.17] Gina’s experience of mentorship, and her perspective on its importance.
“I’ve never had a mentor – but I love mentoring!”
[28.59] Gina’s advice for young professionals looking to build a career like hers.
[30.16] The future for Gina.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from other long-standing women in supply chain, check out 342: Women in supply chain™, Juliette Samson or 191: Women in supply chain™, Lora Cecere.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
