Mentorship insights: Empowering women leaders in supply chain management

In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of supply chain management, mentorship has proven to be a pivotal factor in shaping the next generation of leaders. Through the Digital Supply Chain Institute’s TrailblazeHers 24:24 program—an initiative designed to connect emerging women professionals with senior leaders in supply chain management—participants have gained invaluable lessons that illuminate the transformative power of mentorship. Here are some of the most impactful insights shared by program mentors and mentees, offering a roadmap for success in this critical industry.

Defining your path to success

Personal definition of success: One key takeaway from mentors is the importance of defining success on your terms. As one mentor succinctly put it, “Determine what success looks like for you.” This personalized approach helps professionals remain true to their values while identifying opportunities for growth.

Strategic career planning: Intentionality is critical when mapping out a career. Mentors emphasized the need for deliberate planning, advising mentees to “Spend time mapping out your career trajectory and determining what you value most. From there, create an action plan to reach your goals.” This methodical approach fosters clarity and ensures progress aligns with long-term aspirations.

Building professional relationships

Stakeholder management: Building and nurturing relationships with stakeholders and sponsors is essential for career advancement. One mentor advised, “Identify your stakeholders and sponsors, assess your current level of interaction with them, and determine the ideal level of interaction you’d like to have.” This strategic networking approach strengthens connections and opens doors to new opportunities.

Executive communication: Another valuable lesson revolved around enhancing executive presence. A mentee reflected on this guidance, sharing, “She (my mentor) helped me think through how to present effectively to executives—how to use my time wisely and ensure maximum value from every interaction.” Developing this skill is critical for influencing decision-makers and driving organizational impact.

Embracing growth and change

Comfort with discomfort: Growth requires embracing challenges, and mentors emphasized the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. “If you’re going to grow as a person and a leader, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” one mentor remarked. This mindset fosters resilience and continuous professional development.

Challenging the status quo: Innovation stems from questioning established norms. Mentors encouraged bold thinking, advising mentees, “Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.” This courage to innovate can lead to groundbreaking solutions that redefine success in supply chain management.

Continuous learning: Lifelong learning emerged as a consistent theme. Mentors urged participants to “Always be willing to continue learning,” advocating for courses and certifications to build targeted skills that align with career aspirations.

Career development strategies

Stepping stones perspective: Viewing each role as part of a larger journey helps maintain focus during transitions. One mentor advised, “Treat every role and experience as a stepping stone, not a final destination.” This perspective keeps professionals grounded while pursuing long-term growth.

Work-life integration: The belief that career advancement must come at the expense of personal life was challenged. A mentor noted, “Prioritizing your career doesn’t mean deprioritizing your family. You can have both.” This balanced approach inspires hope for a fulfilling career and personal life.

Building confidence: Confidence emerged as a foundational trait for success. As one mentor put it, “Confidence is harder to build, but it’s worth the effort because it will make or break your career and the respect you gain from coworkers and suppliers.” Investing in self-assurance is essential for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

Taking initiative

Global perspectives: Mentors encouraged mentees to explore international opportunities, sharing, “Consider international opportunities to grow professionally and personally.” Inspired by this advice, one mentee initiated the establishment of a Women in Supply Chain Association chapter in Guatemala, demonstrating the global ripple effect of mentorship.

Universal impact: Translating professional experiences into universal solutions was another impactful suggestion. Mentors emphasized connecting work outcomes to client or customer impact, noting, “Always connect results back to customer value to create more impactful solutions.”

The ripple effect of mentorship

The 24:24 program exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have on professional development in supply chain management. From strategic career planning to building confidence and challenging norms, the lessons shared through this initiative provide a roadmap for aspiring leaders in a dynamic industry segment.

These insights serve as a reminder that growth requires courage, curiosity, and a commitment to staying true to one’s values. As one mentor wisely noted, “Learn the right lessons at the right time.” Through programs like DSCI’s TrailblazeHers 24:24, these lessons become stepping stones toward exceptional leadership, inspiring a new generation of women to strengthen the supply chain industry and redefine its future.

About the author:

Sugathri Kolluru is director of TrailblazeHers – Women in Supply Chain Initiative at the Digital Supply Chain Institute. Working as a supply consultant and social impact leader over the last 8 years, she designed and led skill training programs for women entrepreneurs and women in supply chain. She holds an MBA degree from Johns Hopkins.

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