In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by award-winning co-founder and CEO and self-confessed lover of people and possibilities, Melodie Van Der Baan.
An industry trailblazer, Melodie’s journey began as a distributor and independent retailer. And, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and everything she learned, she went on to co-found Max Retail, a platform that empowers brands to free up cash and clear out stale inventory.
Today Melodie will be talking all about her career journey; juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship; embracing a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach to growth; and understanding the intricate dance between supply and demand.
SHOW SPONSOR
The Women in Supply Chain Forum was created by Marina Mayer and Jason Desearle to foster real connections—bringing men and women together to network, learn, and build lasting bonds beyond traditional conferences. It’s about strengthening pipelines, creating a community of advocates, mentors, and trusted peers. Similarly, the Women in Supply Chain Award was born from a need to recognize female leaders navigating challenges and driving change. Since its inception five years ago, it has grown to nearly 400 submissions, celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future of supply chain. Find out more at Supply and Demand Chain Executive.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[04.04] The early years of Melodie’s career, why she fell in love with retail, and how her experiences laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.
“I loved every store, every city, every boutique owner I visited and sold to. But, without fail, they would point out what didn’t sell from the season before, and say ‘Mel, what are you going to do about it?’ And so I had to find a solution to their problem.”
“My husband said: ‘This isn’t a you problem, it’s an industry problem. It’s a lack of a network that needs to exist, and you should create it!’ But this was before Amazon, Shopify wasn’t a thing yet, Point of Sales were server-based, not cloud-based. So even though the problem was real, the industry wasn’t ready for the solution.”
[08.31] Why Melodie chose not to go to college, her Mother’s words of advice, and why she decided to open her own retail store.
“Every step of my journey has been so natural.”
[11.56] Melodie’s experience as a working Mom, setting an example for her daughter, and why experience is the best teacher.
[15.09] Melodie’s advice for parents struggling with work/life balance, and why consistency is key.
“We can’t give our best at work and leave the scraps for our family.”
[19.33] How Melodie developed a unique understanding of the intricate dance between supply and demand, the biggest challenges faced by retailers and distributors, and why understanding your inventory is crucial.
[24.57] Why Melodie moved from retail to technology, an overview of her business Max Retail, and how she brings retail experts and tech leaders together to solve the biggest industry challenges.
“It was never an intention to become a CEO of a technology company. The truth is that there was no way to solve the problem without technology.”
[29.37] Melodie’s experience as a woman navigating the worlds of retail, technology and supply chain, and her uniquely positive outlook.
“When you know the authenticity of someone, it can gender-neutralize.”
[32.22] Melodie’s commitment to taking a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach, the role others have played in her success, and how she pays it forward.
[36.00] Melodie’s biggest achievements, personally and professionally, and the passion that drives them.
[38.18] The future for Melodie, and for Max Retail.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Melodie Van Der Baan over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear the experiences of other hard-working Moms, check out 464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele, 359: Women in Supply Chain, Alexis Mizell-Pleasant or 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe.
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