Sustainability is an escalating priority for consumers and organizations alike as carbon emissions continue contributing to extreme weather events and damage to our planet. The climate change debate is over—it’s real and it’s here—we need solutions in supply chain now. Business leaders understand recognizing and prioritizing sustainable supply chain solutions is a strategic move to fuel business resilience, profitability, and agility.
The shift to circular supply chains is critical to generating new business opportunities while limiting the company’s carbon footprint and resulting environmental impact. Organizations like IKEA have already implemented sourcing materials from recycled or renewable sources and initiated product repairs to eliminate risk.
There’s also a global move to goal setting for carbon neutrality. An evolving low-carbon economy is fast emerging as a business and government priority. And that’s where tech and innovation come into play. Adopting the right technologies will help organizations limit waste and streamline execution.
But sustainable approaches can’t be cultivated in a silo. Partnerships will be key for collaboration across governments, suppliers, corporations, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Meeting the moment and the future demands of ongoing environmental impacts requires a powerful, diverse, and talented workforce. Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain program, blog, and podcast series share the positive impact of growing gender representation with women and their nonbinary peers. We hope our Women In Supply Chain blog series inspires you to challenge traditional gender roles in the workplace and beyond.
We are proud to kick off a new year, by celebrating Stacy Glass. She is the Co-founder and Executive Director of ChemFORWARD, where she drives strategic growth, impact, and scale. Stacy builds powerful partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder engagement that empower ChemFORWARD’s mission to broaden access to chemical hazard data and pinpoint safer alternatives in partnership with industry. Stacy works to end toxic chemical exposure and advance human and environmental equity. She boasts Beyond Duke Service and Leadership and Women in Sustainability Leadership (WSLA) awards.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
My journey to supply chain has been anything, but linear. It has been a winding path defined by a drive to learn, create, and make a difference— all the best pursuits are.
In retrospect, I can see the through-lines of the last thirty years, including big visions, entrepreneurial spirit, collaborations, and mission-driven work. When I started my career at a management consulting firm in the early nineties, I was motivated by the firm’s vision to transform people’s work environments. With little experience or expertise in these matters, I found my way into client relations where I could share the firm’s vision while bringing others along. The firm grew quickly, and I was able to participate in developing new service offerings and a geographical expansion, feeding my entrepreneurial spirit.
With tons of ideas and enthusiasm but little analytical or formal business training, it was time to get my MBA. I selected the Duke Global Executive MBA program, and it was the best investment I’ve ever made in myself. From there, I moved into supporting start-ups and was motivated by mission-driven work, whether public-private partnerships, social benefit organizations, or nonprofits. My focus on impact led me to the burgeoning field of sustainability where I saw the potential to reshape entire industries.
There is a visionary design philosophy captured in the book, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. That book imparted a new way to think about and ultimately solve seemingly insurmountable challenges for humans and the environment. It profoundly shifted my perspective, outlining a future where industry could be a force for good, not just the culprit and source of pollution.
That’s the perspective I applied in dedicating years of my career to companies implementing this design philosophy. That brought me to supply chain work. Recognizing that my vision required a fundamental shift in how products are made and sourced, I immersed myself in the complexities of the supply chain.
I’m now the Co-founder and Executive Director of ChemFORWARD, a science-based, nonprofit advancing safer chemistry in the supply chain through broader access to high-quality chemical hazard information. ChemFORWARD’s data-sharing model helps leaders make informed decisions at each node of their supply chains.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
While I’ve benefited from informal mentors who challenged me at critical times in my career with honest feedback and new ideas, the most profound influence on my career has undoubtedly been my mother. A career woman with three children in the seventies, she put on a suit every day, held management positions that women had never had before, and faced unguarded bias. Her ability to balance empathy with decisive action has been a constant source of inspiration. Despite her success, she bravely returned to school mid-career to earn her master’s degree. She has inspired me to try to lead with intellect, grace, and a continuous learning mindset. I strive to emulate her ability to navigate complex situations under pressure and inquire before making assumptions.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
When I started, I was blissfully naive to gender bias in the workplace. I believed that if I worked hard, the results would be undeniable, and I could achieve anything. Thanks to the women who came before me, I could go far in my career before I experienced the reality: bias persists.
Some of my experiences with bias were obvious, but most were more subtle. It’s important to acknowledge that subtle, unexamined, and sometimes unconscious biases are just as real in their consequences. I have moved on from some untenable situations, but it was with regret. I can only imagine what could have been accomplished if these biases were addressed and overcome. Everything suffers, from the work product to the business results and even the mission.
Decades later, I am encouraged and inspired by a new generation of men and women alike who value collaboration in work, partnership in raising their families, and challenging traditional roles and responsibilities for both genders. I think there is more awareness of subtle bias now and a greater willingness to examine one’s own. At ChemFORWARD, we are striving to build a diverse team that values all voices.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
While I’ve always been outspoken, honing my voice and directing it towards a clear purpose has been an evolving process. Fueled by what some might call ‘irrational confidence,’ and encouraged by my mother’s example, I’ve never been afraid to share my opinions. My approach was to the amusement and occasional dismay of my bosses—especially in the early days. I think what has changed with experience, additional education, and maturity is that my aim is truer. With each experience and challenge, my communication became more focused and strategic, driven by a deeper understanding of the issues. Throughout my career, no matter the topic, clear and persuasive communication was required to achieve the goal.
Today, I am absolutely certain in our vision to eliminate toxic chemical exposure in the supply chain. I am mostly sure about how we will get there and I am not afraid to be wrong and adjust course as needed. These elements, combined with a sense of urgency, embolden me to use my voice for good.
5. What advice do you have for women in supply chain and others looking to start a career in the industry?
When you’re making a decision about which job to pursue or which direction to go, choose based on the people first. A supportive and respectful work environment is essential to your well-being and ability to thrive. Find a team where you feel valued, you can learn, and your voice is heard. It’s an investment in your long-term happiness and success.
Don’t buy into the notion that there’s a correct path or a straight line in your career. Being nimble and resilient will ensure you end up right where you are supposed to be—fulfilled and happy with your work. Embrace the detours, learn from each experience, and never stop believing in your ability to make a difference. The supply chain community needs your talent, your passion, and your unique perspective.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
That list would be way too long! I admire everyone working to make a positive impact on the world. I’m particularly inspired by people who put their egos aside—we all have them—to achieve a larger vision. One of my most admired female colleagues leads with the motto, “Better Together.” That means recognizing complex challenges require diverse perspectives and a willingness to share knowledge and resources. When that is your strategic framework, anything is possible.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
My journey has been a process of self-discovery, revealing the core strengths that have always been there, just waiting for the right opportunities to flourish. This journey has been less about changing who I am and more about understanding my inherent strengths and how to best apply them. My natural curiosity, my drive to connect with people, and my ability to see the bigger picture—these have always been part of me. The opportunities I sought, while diverse, helped me hone those traits.
The people I worked best with led by example and treated me with respect. When I had the opportunity to start ChemFORWARD, I was terrified and excited, but ready. Looking ahead, my focus is on ensuring a strong future for the movement I’m so passionate about. What’s next is ensuring the next generation of leadership in the sustainability and safer chemistry movement are ready. I am focused on identifying and empowering talent. From the talent and diversity I’ve seen as we have been growing ChemFORWARD over the last two years, I know we’re in good hands
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain feature mean to you?
Being featured in the Women in Supply Chain series isn’t just an honor, it’s a powerful platform. It’s a chance to share my story and inspire others to pursue careers in this field and highlight the intersection of supply chain and sustainability in a field critical to our future. Supply chain decisions impact everything from product safety to carbon emissions, and it’s crucial to highlight the link to a sustainable future. The series plays an important role in demonstrating the contributions of non-traditional leaders from diverse backgrounds with a variety of experiences.
Women in Supply Chain: Empowering Your Journey at Every Career Stage
Whether you’re just starting or leading at the highest levels, our Women in Supply Chain membership programs are designed to support you in every career phase. We offer multiple tailored tiers to help you connect, grow, and lead within the supply chain industry.
Women in Supply Chain Connections
Build Your Network. Shape Your Future. ($199/year)
Step into a vibrant community where you can share, learn, and grow as a woman in supply chain. Whether you’re just beginning your career or seeking support in your current role, Women in Supply Chain Connections provides an essential space to connect, network, and thrive. For $199 a year, you’ll will:
What you’ll experience:
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Dynamic virtual discussions on pressing industry topics
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Exclusive access to targeted job opportunities through our community board
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Meet-ups to build authentic relationships with peers
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Bi-annual virtual networking events with industry leaders
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A supportive community that champions your growth
Perfect for: Supply chain professionals seeking to expand their network and tap into a supportive community of like-minded women.
Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Women in Supply Chain Connections
Are you a woman navigating the dynamic world of supply chain? Join our vibrant community and gain access to:
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Virtual discussions on relevant topics
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Community job boards and local meetups
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Bi-annual virtual networking events
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And much more!
Join today for just $199 a year!
Meet Our Sponsors
Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s Women in Supply Chain award, sponsored by Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast and Blended Pledge project, honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.
About the Author
Naomi Sylvian is a content marketing leader with more than 17 years of experience, and the editor of Let’s Talk Supply Chain™’s Women in supply chain™ series. Her works have appeared on Forbes, Mashable, Business Insider, The Muse, and Yahoo, and have been mentioned by The New York Times Online. Naomi mentors at-risk teens to fight recidivism and contribute on a local level, working with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Subscribe to her LinkedIn newsletter, The Chain Explained, for all things Supply Chain broken down with as many pop-culture references as possible, or view her marketing portfolio online.
