In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by passionate founder and CEO Jenny Perlitch.
Jenny is the founder and CEO of Perlitch Transport, a Women Business Enterprise certified company, specializing in transport solutions across North America. With nearly two decades of experience in transport and logistics, Jenny is known for her hands-on approach, dedication to her team, and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Today Jenny will be talking all about her career journey; tackling challenges head-on; the lessons she’s learned as a woman and immigrant; and the importance of supporting diversity within the transportation industry.
SHOW SPONSOR:
Supply & Demand Chain Executive
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:
[05.15] Jenny’s journey from Ukraine to Germany to Canada, and what it taught her.
“It taught me a lot. All of a sudden you’re thrown from your comfortable environment to one with a completely different language and culture… I learned resilience and adaptability, and they really helped me in business. It made me independent and I believed things could be done.”
[07.58] Why Jenny’s computer science background is so compatible with a career in supply chain.
“It’s a way of thinking. I’ll look at things as a problem that could be solved by building an algorithm. Take something complex and break it down into smaller parts, automate those parts, and put it all back together like a beautiful puzzle.”
[11.35] How a summer job became a lifelong career in supply chain for Jenny when she discovered a joy in pushing out of her comfort zone and a talent for problem-solving.
[13.39] Why Jenny co-founded IRT Technologies, specializing in equipment for the satellite market, in 2011.
[15.14] Why, in the same year, Jenny also founded Perlitch Transport and the challenges of founding and growing two businesses simultaneously.
“I was single, I had to do something!”
[19.00] The areas of business Jenny is most passionate about, as a founder and CEO, and why it’s important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
“I really like the strategic side of the business. You try something, look at the results, and try a different way… But I’m very quick to do things, sometimes I lack patience… It’s important to be honest about your weakness, fill in the gaps with great people, and then empower those people.”
[20.52] Some of the toughest challenges Jenny has faced while running her businesses, and her unique approach to overcoming them.
[27.31] Jenny’s experience as a woman in supply chain, and what she’s learned.
“It’s a very male-dominated industry… You feel it very quickly when you’re trying to get in… In the early days, when I had a good idea, a good vision, and I knew how to do things… they brushed me off, didn’t take me seriously or let me finish. And eventually your voice becomes low and apologetic. At that point, you have to put yourself back together, and try a different door.”
[31.47] How Jenny creates positive and inclusive cultures within her own organizations, and her advice for other businesses looking to do better.
[34.28] The importance of awards, and what they mean for the industry as it continues to strive for improved diversity and equity.
[38.48] The future for Jenny.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Jenny over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more incredible women, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann, 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina or 207: Women in supply chain™, Shana Zheng.
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