In the last Women In Supply Chain blog of the year, we want to take a look at what next year has to offer for industry trends and growth. There’s a lot. Technology, consumer sentiments, extreme weather, and geopolitical factors will all make an impact, forcing leaders to continue evolving. So, expect to see a serious evolution in sustainability and circular supply chains demanded by consumers and some governmental institutions alike. That means more organizations putting a focus on recycling, remanufacturing, and creating circular supply chains—all to reduce waste. Pack your annual business plans with sustainable sourcing and carbon-neutral brand commitments and logistics.
Geopolitical tensions and battles along with anticipated tariffs will necessitate nearshoring production, supplier diversification, and proactive planning for contingencies. Your supply chains must be able to respond to disruptions and pivot swiftly to keep a competitive edge. That isn’t anything new, but it’s going to be more critical than ever.
Automation via AI and end-to-end supply chain visibility will also play major roles in promoting more nimble, agile operations. Predictive analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, digital twins, and demand forecasting will pinpoint needs at every node and step of your manufacturing and logistics journeys. Expect to hear the hype around autonomous vehicles pick up again, whether or not it comes to fruition.
Whatever challenges come next; you’ll be more prepared to navigate them with a more diverse, resilient workforce. At Let’s Talk Supply Chain, our Women In Supply Chain program, blog, and podcast series continue highlighting the impact of that expansion in gender representation to empower the achievements of women leaders and our nonbinary peers. We want our Women In Supply Chain blog series to motivate you, so, you never let traditional gender roles get in the way of your goals or your ability to make a profound and deeply intentional impact.
It’s with great honor that we showcase Mary Casillo’s supply chain journey, achievements, and powerful breakthroughs. Mary is the SVP of Business Development at Pallet Alliance, focused on sustainable supply chain orchestration. She fosters business cultures embracing innovation, the ability to make a broad impact, and inclusivity. Mary constantly leverages her abundant and growing social network to build meaningful partnerships and drive her commitment to excellence.
Highly skilled in strategic communications, teamwork, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and sales and marketing, Mary is a powerhouse in the pallet sector who continues driving her career and her employers’ business goals forward. She boasts a master’s degree in sports administration and a bachelor’s in professional and technical communication. She’s dedicated two decades to building meaningful partnerships by showing up with empathy and solving problems.
1. Where did your supply chain journey start?
After earning my Master’s in Sports Administration, I began my career in the fitness industry, managing ten fitness facilities in upstate New York. My primary responsibility was to increase monthly memberships. At that time, I assumed I would remain in the athletic industry. However, I was unexpectedly, and quite literally, (fun story), tackled into the supply chain sector, specifically the pallet industry.
Initially, I had no idea how crucial pallets were to the supply chain process, but I quickly learned and developed a passion for the industry. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I started with managing national pallet programs and made my way into business development. My passion to meet new people and assist their process and responsibilities has led me to where I am today.
2. Have mentors supported your professional growth in supply chain?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from multiple mentors. There’s a mentor who fits every stage of your professional and personal growth. As we evolve, our mentors often do too. Either because they’ve fulfilled their role or because our journey calls for a different kind of guidance. Some mentors have equipped me with the knowledge to excel in my work, while others have offered the encouragement and advocacy I needed to stay resilient through tough times.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Working in a historically male-dominated industry has been challenging and rewarding. I’ve faced obstacles that have tested my resolve and determination but empowered me to make leaps and bounds. Overall, it’s been a journey of continuous learning and breaking barriers, and I’m proud of the progress that’s been made.
4. When did you find your voice in your supply chain career?
I found my voice the day I accepted who I truly am. As a masculine-presenting female and a member of the LGBTQ community in a predominantly male industry, I was once told that someone “like me” could never be the face of a company. That day my mindset shifted.
Instead of working relentless hours, taking on more than anyone should, and letting ignorant comments make me feel I needed to work harder, I decided to focus on my strengths. I concentrated on learning what I needed to succeed. I started investing in myself. My confidence grew, and I trusted that I would find a place where I belonged with people who accepted me for who I am.
5. What advice do you have for women in supply chain and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Don’t let other people have a say in who you are. Only you can harness that power. It takes time and a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Once you harness that power, you’ll become unstoppable.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I admire so many incredible women in the pallet industry. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with numerous smart, talented, and hardworking women who embody a no-nonsense, “I’m going to get this done” attitude. It seems that to be taken seriously as a woman in this industry, you need to possess all these qualities. Every woman at Pallet Alliance does, along with people I’ve worked with in the past, including Jodi Green, Mckenna Stewart, and Kim Travis. In the industry, I admire Kate Matz, Heather Willingham, Mimi Sullivan, and Hilary Carr. Leaders at women-owned pallet manufacturing companies whom I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, already inspire me. I cheer them on in my head anytime I see women doing their thing in the industry.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
It’s challenging to discuss the future because I’m focused on living in the moment and taking things as they come. As long as I can maintain what’s important to me—family, friends, hard work, and humility—I feel my future is limitless. I’m fortunate to work for a great company and do what I truly enjoy professionally. I would love to speak to more people about my journey, sharing the tips and tricks I’ve learned to become more comfortable in my own skin and how that has positively impacted my career.
I look forward to connecting with more women in supply chain with inspiring stories of their own. I am ready to be a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. And, I want to continue making others’ jobs easier as a powerful force in the pallet industry—sharing solutions with the right capabilities. My hope is to make a positive impact overall within the supply chain community and on women in the pallet sector.
8. What does your Women In Supply Chain feature mean to you?
Being featured in the Women in Supply Chain series is an incredible honor that represents recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my journey as an LGBTQ+ woman. It’s also an opportunity to share my progress and inspire other women to pursue their passions in their careers. With this visibility, I can advocate for greater diversity and inclusion along with the importance of supporting and uplifting each other.
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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.
