We talk a lot about the latest supply chain disruptions—they are constant—and how to combat them with diversity in thought and representation. Volatility and staying fast and flexible with changing market, geopolitical, and environmental conditions will always be a hallmark of manufacturing and logistics, but researchers are examining how to tamp down industry chaos in the future, and now is the perfect time. Why? Because consumers who drive demand and momentum are more aware of supply chains than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic era and resulting delays and shortages were the first time most people outside of supply chains had a view into them, or even grasped what the logistics industry was. Previously, driven by a fast-moving and growing online culture and a hard shift to overnight or same-day shipping and purchases on demand, most shoppers didn’t put much thought into where products and their materials come from; how they are assembled; or what the path is to their stores and doors.
But, in the 2020’s consumers across the globe are dialed into supply chains, delays and shortages and how they impact their bank accounts, and the sustainability of it all. And according to Princeton economist, Ernest Liu, academics and experts of industry are combining efforts to better predict, avoid, and manage disruptions across the chain.
And as technology and best practices continue evolving at a rapid speed, so are demographics in the workforce. That’s in large part because organizations with more women in leadership sail past competitors. Ending the gender gap isn’t just good for people, it’s great for business.
Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women In Supply Chain program, blog, and podcast series share the power of building gender diversity by investing in both female leaders and our nonbinary counterparts. We hope our Women In Supply Chain blog series inspires you to disregard traditional gender barriers and career roles for a profoundly personal and professional impact.
We’re proud to highlight Claire Mandell this month. Claire is the Administrative Director at Logisyn Advisors, a global M&A advisory for the logistics industry. At Logisyn, she supports the backend of the business, overseeing financials, internal operations, and talent acquisition. Claire is known for her dexterity in balancing major initiatives while amassing a vibrant talent pipeline and streamlining systems and processes. Since 2018 she has built a career in different operations roles across the country, including positions in payroll and Human Resources. Claire sits on Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Blended Pledge board, working to elevate diverse industry voices around the globe. She achieved her bachelor’s in creative writing from the University of Arizona.
1. Where did your supply chain journey start?
My career journey took a winding road. I didn’t come out of the gates knowing what I wanted to do. I sought out and embraced opportunities to strengthen skills I wanted to improve on and gain experiences to bring me closer to something ultimately fulfilling. The end result has been exactly that, and I’d make the same recommendation to anyone, especially any woman, trying to find her place.
2. Have mentors supported your professional growth in supply chain?
My biggest career mentor is a male. Something he has done incredibly effectively is ensuring I know that my female voice matters and I shouldn’t shy away from it or compensate for it. It’s stuck with me and something I reflect on often, especially when I’m making decisions.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
I have the privilege of working in two male-dominated industries: Transportation and Logistics/Supply Chain and Mergers and Acquisitions/Finance. The challenge suits me as I’m very much a “smash the glass ceiling” kind of girl. That doesn’t mean it is always smooth sailing. There are certain nuances and communication tools I’ve mastered and utilize regularly that give me better results and a better shot at success—mirroring, tone, confidence, timing, and picking your battles—just to name a few.
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a woman living in a man’s world (really all women everywhere) is to become and stay deeply connected to yourself and your convictions. What do I mean by that? Ultimately, the confidence to be a strong decision-maker, to be persuasive, and to be effective comes from your sense of self. You have to cultivate and practice this, but if you do, it will soon become your default position.
4. When did you find your voice in your supply chain career?
Finding my voice has been a process and an intentional practice. Seeking out resources like Women In Supply Chain has been invaluable. After consistently reminding myself, I can do hard and uncomfortable things, it’s now an instinctual belief. Having candid conversations with other women about their experiences and journeys is always rewarding and educational. It’s been a proactive journey and one I am passionate about helping other women navigate.
5. What advice do you have for women in supply chain and others looking to start a career in the industry?
My advice is to focus on the present moment. Don’t let the big possibilities and unknowns of the future overwhelm you. Small actions lead to big transformations, so take the steps you can today that feel right, and you’ll be on the right track.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I have the privilege of working with one of our clients, an incredible female CEO, who exudes everything that makes a woman successful She is compassionate; she is sharp as a tack; she makes sound decisions from a place of personal experience and weighted counsel, and she is incredibly witty and funny. Just a wonderful, humble, successful individual and an inspiration to see in action.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I have learned that I love building up new talent. I am passionate about taking things that look messy and organizing them into something that works well and makes sense. I love giving my teammates a safe space to be themselves. I’ve learned that all you can do is control yourself and your actions, and the reactions of others are a reflection of them and not you. I don’t know exactly what the future holds. I know that I love my company. It’s the first organization I’ve worked in where I can see myself building the entirety of my career (if I am so fortunate).
A year from now, I hope I’ve helped more women find confidence and success. I hope I’ve given more of my time to a couple of organizations I’m passionate about through volunteer work. And I hope I’ve strengthened my connection between myself as a mother and myself as a professional (something I struggle with balancing specifically as a woman in a male-dominated industry).
8. What does your Women In Supply Chain feature mean to you?
I’m extremely grateful to be part of a resource that’s been so helpful and encouraging on my journey in this traditionally male-dominated industry. Seeing the stories of all the incredible women working in this industry provides an instant sense of comradery and comfort. I’m a big advocate for the impact of representation, and I love being part of a community of like-minded women.
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.
Elevate Your Career with Women in Supply Chain!
Join a groundbreaking industry initiative that goes beyond networking. Women in Supply Chain is a diverse collective of professionals fostering growth, deep connections, and career development.
What you get:
- 3-hour Introductory Call
- Monthly Live Calls with a Professional Facilitator
- Access to a Private Online Community
- Women in Supply Chain T-Shirt
- FREE Access to The Supply Chainers ($175 Value)
Investment:
$1,000 deposit + $100/month membership Learn more + join here.
Take your future into your own hands & ask your company to add this to your professional development budget. Reach out to hello@
Spaces are going fast– Don’t miss out on this transformative opportunity!
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.
