In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by Kiran Mann – a multi-award-winning supply chain leader, coach, author, speaker, and strategist.
After nearly 20 years in the automotive manufacturing industry, Kiran decided to make a change and founded her own business, with a mission to transform organizations into happy ones. With an unwavering commitment to growth strategy, people development, and organizational excellence, Kiran is the catalyst for revamping businesses, customer experiences, and leadership approaches and fostering resilience and well-being.
Today Kiran will be talking to us about her career journey; her experiences in the male-dominated automotive industry; why she left the corporate world to found her own business; and why women need to stop overlooking what they’re good at.
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 www.WomeninSupplyChainForum to register and learn more. We’re all better together. Collaboration is key to promoting and supporting Women In Supply Chain™.
For more information, vision Supply & Demand Chain.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[07.20] Kiran’s early years, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to a successful career in automotive and manufacturing.
“It was a temporary situation that turned into 22 years! It felt like home. At some point I forgot about fashion designing, and became a full-time professional in automotive and manufacturing!”
[09.49] From viewing challenges as opportunities to setting an example for other immigrants, the things Kiran is most proud of across her career, and what she’s learned along the way.
“At the time, it felt normal. We all look for where we fit in, for opportunities, we grow. But, looking back now, it gives me a different feeling. A feeling of pride, a sense of accomplishment… who am I today is what I went through and what I learned.”
[16.41] Kiran’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry; and how the industry changed for women over the years.
[18.34] The question that led Kiran to quit her job and found her own business; and her experience of leaving the automotive industry after 20 years to go it alone.
“Women overlook what we’re good at, because we just think it’s default. But if it was default, every single person around you would be doing it. So you have to find that recipe.”
[22.53] How Kiran figured out how to use her skills in her new business; why she wanted to address the workplace challenges we all complain about; and her approach to fixing the gap between businesses and consultants.
“One of my favorite words is ‘choice’… There’s no right or wrong choice, but every choice has a consequence.”
[32.00] How Kiran came to take on the role of COO at Brar’s, alongside running her consultancy; how she balances her responsibilities; and why she’s come to realize that multitasking is not a good thing.
[38.59] Kiran’s experience in the close-knit community of the dairy industry, and how she gained their trust and earned respect.
[45.29] Kiran’s advice for young people as they start their careers.
“Come out of your comfort zone, but don’t go crazy – be realistic.”
[48.29] Why Kiran lives by the phrase Carpe Diem, and the importance of living in the moment.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Kiran over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed the show and want to hear from more incredible women in supply chain, check out 384: Show Me The Money: Why Women Need To Stop Working For Free, 270: Women In Supply Chain™, Sneha Kumari or 212: Women In Supply Chain™, Ana Lucia Alonzo.
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