In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by industry ‘rising star’ Nikki Driskill.
Nikki has spent over 26 years in logistics, working mostly in operations and customer service. Now Vice President of Customer Service at STG Logistics, the nation’s largest, fully integrated port-to-door service provider, Nikki is passionate about truly making a difference in the industry.
Today Nikki will be talking all about her career journey; the changing face of customer service; her passion for people leadership; and why she wants to inspire others to pursue a career in logistics.
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:
[05.08] How Nikki found supply chain, and how the industry has changed over the course of her career.
“I started so long ago that when you looked for a job, you looked in the newspaper!”
[10.59] Why Nikki’s career ambitions changed when she fell in love with supply chain; how she discovered a passion for people leadership; and why strong women inspired her to want to build relationships and make a difference.
“I was very young and my intent was: ‘I’m going to take this role, and then figure out what I want to do when I grow up’… Then I realized I loved it. There were so many bold women in leadership roles – and I wanted to be them.”
[15.38] Nikki’s experience of repeated mergers and acquisitions, and how they gave her opportunities to explore the industry and learn new skills.
“Each time that we were acquired, things got better in so many different ways… I feel like I’ve worked for four different companies.”
[23.12] How customer service, and its role in relation to wider business success, has changed throughout Nikki’s career, with the impact of factors like technology and new generations of workers.
“A verbal conversation is good for relationship-building, but we don’t have that so much anymore with tech… you have to work differently.”
[32.46] The importance of industry awards, especially for women.
“It matters so much for women… We need to be reminded to celebrate each other.”
[34.32] Nikki’s experience as a woman moving through a male-dominated industry, climbing the ladder, and holding leadership positions.
[39.59] Why Nikki wants to inspire others to pursue a career in logistics, and why it’s such a good career choice for women.
[42.32] The future for Nikki.
“I want to spend a lot more time mentoring, and making a difference… I want to share what I have – and I don’t plan on exiting the industry, that’s for sure!”
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Nikki over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women excelling in customer service and client experience, check out 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina or 415: Women In Supply Chain, Evin Sisemore.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
