As we look back at supply chain management over the last year—whether you’re in logistics or manufacturing—there are signs of progress we can all be thankful for. The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves across supply chains, highlighting regional dependencies and labor shortages. These disruptions continued through record climate events and global inflation. But, looking back we can see major improvements over the early 2020s, with supply chain organizations making major resiliency, agility, and sustainability gains through technology and new sourcing approaches. That’s because we’ve learned from recent years just how critical it is to minimize risk with the right systems and resources.
So, when we reflect on gratitude for the progress we’ve made over the last year, we think about supplier diversification, nearshoring and regionalization, and increased flexibility and efficiency. These steps forward have built some extra protection to protect supply chains from fresh disruptions while maintaining momentum.
Diversifying suppliers has been a major shift over the last few years with organizations moving away from reliance on centralized manufacturing and single-source suppliers. Instead, companies are building increasingly diversified strategies with multiple suppliers to limit their regional and partner dependencies. These moves away from relying on suppliers in specific regions can come in handy with ongoing geopolitical and climate shifts. Brands like Steve Madden are already pivoting production plans to prevent increasing costs in the new year.
More organizations are still evaluating nearshoring and regionalization strategies. These supply chains benefit from moving production close to home—localizing manufacturing along with supply sources. This year, businesses limited major disruption risks by alleviating the clash of regional conflicts and global bottlenecks.
We can be thankful for the major increase in adaptability and agility supply chains have seen across industries. Newer models enable organizations and their supply chains to shift seamlessly with economic, climate, and political disruptions.
And perhaps most notably, we can be thankful for the number of women in the ranks increasing in supply chain. Gartner’s annual “Women in Supply Chain” survey found that women in supply chain now represent 41% along with a boost in C-suite roles topping 25%. These big jumps from recent years show the progress women are experiencing and creating across the chain.
A Let’s Talk Supply Chain, we are thankful and proud of these leaps forward for women across the industry. 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 inspire you, so, you never let traditional gender roles get in the way of your dreams or your ability to make a profound and deliberate impact.
It’s with deep gratitude that we showcase Lina Castaneda’s supply chain journey, insights, and achievements. Lina is the Chief Customer Officer at Tai Software, a SaaS company serving the freight industry. She boasts over a decade of customer experience and strategy, empowerment, service delivery, technical support, and quality assurance experience.
Lina is a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO®). She consistently applies these agile methodologies and principles to optimize the performance and satisfaction across Tai Software’s customers and teams. She is committed to creating value and solving problems through innovation and collaboration.
1. Where did your supply chain journey start?
I am currently serving as the Chief Customer Officer (CCO) at Tai Software, a transportation management system for freight brokers supporting customers moving LTL and TL shipments. I bring a fresh perspective to the industry, having jumped into transportation four years ago with over 12 years of experience in Operations, Customer Service, and Customer Experience.
Since then, I’ve served as a Client Success Manager, Director of Operations, VP of Operations, and now CCO. I’ve led diverse teams like Technical Support, Onboarding, and Learning & Development. My focus is leading strategic planning efforts—ensuring that operational strategies align with our organizational goals.
2. Have mentors supported your professional growth in supply chain?
I’ve had many men and women mentors and both have played a vital role in my personal and professional growth. It’s important to relate to people’s stories to benefit from their experience. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors I look up to across different industries and roles.
My mentors faced similar hurdles, and their guidance has reassured me that I’m not alone in those challenges. They provide the affirmation I need to trust my instincts and plans while helping me stay focused. These mentors help me find answers more quickly by emphasizing what’s truly important to help me navigate different situations on my own.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Working in a historically male-dominated industry has been challenging. It’s also one of my biggest motivations. Proving women can accomplish big things is crucial to encouraging more of them to take a leap and opportunities available to them.
I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible men who have inspired and supported me from day one. They’ve empowered me—I’ve never felt different from them—we’ve always worked as a unified team. Their encouragement has been key to my success.
4. When did you find your voice in your supply chain career?
I found my voice in lifting up the voices of others. I discovered my voice the moment I found myself acting as an informal leader, and realizing people trusted me to act in their best interest—that gave my voice purpose. Empowering others, and helping them grow and develop through my guidance has been one of the most fulfilling and treasured parts of my career. It’s a privilege I cherish and will always carry with me.
5. What advice do you have for women in supply chain and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Take every opportunity, no matter how challenging or intimidating. Put yourself out there, that’s how you learn and gain the exposure you need. Try not to doubt yourself. Know that you are enough. You’re receiving opportunities because you deserve them. Be kind, first to yourself, then to others.
People will always remember how you made them feel and the genuine effort you put into helping them grow. Don’t take anything for granted or get too comfortable with any stage, title, or role. Things can change quickly. Focus on doing the right thing; hard work and integrity always pay off.
And remember, our differences are our superpowers. Use them. Make a statement.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I am deeply inspired by women with relatable stories who have worked their way up against the odds in male-dominated fields like mine because I understand how challenging the journey is. I’ve been there too. I know how they felt in the early stages and the hard work it took to be noticed and trusted. I know all too well the internal struggles of knowing you’re capable even while doubting that you are enough.
Overcoming imposter syndrome to achieve your goals takes incredible strength. I admire everyone who does.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
Looking back, I’ve realized if things had been less challenging, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The roadblocks I faced didn’t just teach me about the world, they taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.
When I am afraid, I push through it because there’s something greater on the other side of fear. My superpower is that I thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment. I’ve discovered that I can inspire and motivate others without even realizing it. So, I’ve become more intentional in everything I do. I want to set a positive example and empower others to chase their dreams. No matter what they see as limitations—whether it’s age, gender, background, or language—I’ve learned differences make you gain exposure and stand out.
8. What does your Women In Supply Chain feature mean to you?
It’s a huge honor and an important milestone. This Women In Supply Chain spotlight gives me the visibility to inspire and encourage other women to pursue their dreams and change the industry. I’m passionate about harnessing this powerful platform to help others succeed and further diversify the field of supply chain.
Calling all women in supply chain!! There’s a new initiative that’s 100% geared towards serving YOU!
Women in Supply Chain is an online community with the sole purpose of providing women in our industry with consistent support and opportunities, all year long.
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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.
