In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by seasoned supply chain leader and marketing and communications expert, Josephine Coombe.
Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Josephine has held senior executive roles with companies such as Bullfrog Power, NRX, and Sitraka Software, guiding these brands across the whole marketing mix. Now, as Chief Commercial Officer for Europe at Nulogy, Josephine is responsible for the growth of the business’s brand and market presence in the UK and Europe.
Today Josephine will be talking to us all about her career journey; how the world of supply chain marketing has changed; what we can learn from women in the industry who are thriving in Europe; and why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain.
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:
[07.26] Josephine’s career journey; her transition from the arts to technology and supply chain; and why embracing ambiguity is a good thing.
“I wouldn’t say my career was planned, or at least the first half was more serendipity than planning. But, around halfway through, I started being much more deliberate about where I was going as a professional. And, particularly for young women, allowing a little bit of the unexpected can take you down paths that are very positive.”
[08.49] How marketing has changed throughout Josephine’s career; why it’s vital to bring creativity and analytics together; and why data isn’t everything regarding marketing.
“It’s been a very interesting time to see the shifts in marketing. Back then marketing was, to some extent, more of an arts discipline… And it’s changed dramatically, as digital marketing has enabled a much more analytical approach.”
“We can go overboard with trying to make the data tell us everything – and it can’t. I often see wild goose chases when it comes to attribution, but often what’s lost in those conversations is the influencing factors… Not everything can be perfectly measured but, just because it can’t, doesn’t mean that it’s not delivering value.”
[14.33] Josephine’s role as Chief Commercial Officer at Nulogy – what it involves, how she approaches the role, and the importance of bringing sales and marketing together.
“The ability to get out of your silo and into another area enables you to build empathy for other business areas.”
[18.37] Josephine’s experience of moving from North America to Europe for her latest job role.
[22.10] Nulogy’s vision of collaboration and co-innovation, and the big industry challenges they’re tackling with these core principles.
“More and more, we’re seeing a reliance on external providers to enable growth. But if you don’t know what’s going on out there, it’s going to be difficult to achieve. It’s a big supply chain issue.”
[25.02] The significant momentum driving women’s involvement in supply chain in the UK, and the different culture it’s creating for the industry.
“In the logistics industry in the UK, there’s been a deliberate effort to move beyond the historical reliance and dominance of men to enable more women in leadership positions.”
[27.40] Josephine’s experience as a woman in supply chain, and how things have changed for women over the course of her career.
[29.33] Why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain, and Josephine’s advice for younger generations, especially women, who may be looking to join the industry and take advantage of that excitement and momentum.
“The pandemic made very clear to the world that supply chain is critical to society. And it made very clear to big businesses that they couldn’t treat their supply chain organizations like an operational necessity, they had to recognize its highly strategic value to the business. So we’ve seen a tremendous focus and investment in supply chain.”
[31.29] The turning point in Josephine’s career; the influential people who played a part in her journey; and why you don’t ever stop learning.
[36.16] Josephine’s passion for the arts; achieving her diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music; and the importance of embracing creativity as part of work/life balance.
“For me, creative endeavors are part of work/life balance. It’s so important to make sure you’ve got that type of time to unwind and give your brain something fresh to think about.”
[38.41] The future for Josephine.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Josephine over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more inspiring women in the industry, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain™, Kiran Mann or 380: Women In Supply Chain™, Christine Barnhart.
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