In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Ashley Yentz, a supply chain leader who is passionate about driving sustainability and creating solutions that improve lives.
Ashley discovered her love for supply chain during several successful internships at automotive megabrand, Toyota. And, after a stint as a logistics analyst at Hilti, Ashley’s career really took flight at LeanCor Supply Chain Group. She developed, implemented, and managed lean supply chains totalling around $300M in annual transportation spend and, in 2021, she brought all of her experience, knowledge and passion to her current role as VP of Supply Chain and Material Flow at Sleep Number, a leader in sleep and wellness technology.
Today Ashley will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for creating a more inclusive workforce; developing customer-focused solutions; and why her ultimate goal is to influence a priority shift toward climate change and social consciousness in the logistics and supply chain industry. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
This Women in Supply Chain feature was sponsored by Sifted.
As a business dedicated to empowering confidence within the shipping industry, we’re proud to support women in supply chain. Sifted is the leading logistics intelligence software, that combines insights with expertise to empower bigger, smarter shipping decisions. As growth and disruptions present ongoing challenges for supply chain leaders, thousands rely on Sifted to set their businesses up for success. Learn more about Sifted here.
[07.09] Ashley’s career journey, from being raised by creative entrepreneurs and gaining a degree in mathematics, to being introduced to supply chain by a mentor.
“I met one of my mentors, she was the Vice President of Customer Service at Toyota… and she was the one that looked at me, heard about my skillset in math and my passions and said ‘hey – I think you’d be really good in supply chain!’”
[11.28] What Ashley learned during her time working for Toyota.
“I understood the great care that we had to take to make sure a customer was satisfied. Lean is about ‘what is it that this customer really wants, and how do we make sure we’re providing them the best value.’”
[16.55] Ashley’s journey within Toyota, from strategic planning to inventory; how the recession led to a move to Hilti; and why a passion for Lean Systems eventually took her to LeanCor.
“I started doing a lot of research on ‘what do I want to do, where do I want to be, where do I want to spend my time?’"
[23.01] Ashley’s experience of being one of only two female senior leaders at LeanCor, and the importance of finding people that value what you have to say.
“When we talk about career growth and development, seeking to understand is such a huge part of anyone’s job, and it will set you apart.”
[28.03] Why Ashley moved to Sleep Number, her advice on finding the right career fit, and why Sleep Number values wellness.
“You have to be surrounded by a community that you’re enjoying, that is getting the best out of you and you feel your best at, where you can bring your authentic self to work... you have to make sure it’s aligning to you and your life.”
[35.21] Ashley’s biggest career achievements to date.
[38.03] Ashley’s experience as a woman in the male-dominated fields of construction, supply chain and automotive, how she built courage over time and her advice for how women can thrive.
[42.59] Ashley’s favorite thing about supply chain.
“My favorite thing about supply chain is that you can learn so much – you’ll never get bored!”
[44.15] Ashley’s thoughts on the importance of sustainability in supply chain.
“I believe that profit and sustainability go hand in hand.”
You can connect with Ashley over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out 310: Women in Supply Chain, Grace Sharkey, featuring another woman in supply chain who has followed her heart when it comes to her career journey. Or, if you're keen to hear more about the importance of sustainability in supply chain, why not listen to what Mary McNelly has to say in episode 250.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Lean Solutions Group, a super-successful business service provider that’s using its impressive suite of solutions to make scaling simple.
Lean Solutions Group is a nearshore and offshore services provider with a highly scalable and flexible workforce of 7,000 employees with operations at seven satellite offices in Colombia, Guatemala, and the Philippines. Partnering with more than 500 U.S.-based companies, Lean Solutions Group’s expanded service offerings include staffing, technology, marketing, sales, and business process outsourcing services, all in one place.
Today Hunter Bell, Senior Account Executive at Lean Solutions, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; overcoming recruitment challenges; making scaling simple; the power of ‘global shoring’; and how to broaden your reach, without borders.
[07.05] Hunter's journey, how he came to join Lean Solutions and why logistics is in his blood.
“I’ve been familiar with the industry. My Dad was in transportation logistics for 25 years… so growing up, I was able to see what that industry is all about, and the amount of hours you’ve got to put in…”
[08.18] How Lean Solutions Group was founded, its evolution, and an overview of what they do now.
“We set up satellite offices for transportation logistics companies. We have everything turnkey down there ready to go, office space and a recruiting team… we teach them the industry and then build out an infrastructure.”
[10.28] How staffing has changed since the pandemic, the current labor challenges, and the opportunities provided by embracing satellite and remote teams.
“When COVID hit, everyone was forced to go remote, which opened people’s eyes to: companies don’t only have to source talent in their cites now… remote work does work!”
[12.53] A closer look at the process of working with Lean Solutions, from identifying a business’s key needs to working on process efficiencies.
[14.19] The challenges involved in remote working, and how Lean works to solve them.
“COVID exposed an issue with people’s ability to manage expectations and what you really want your staff doing… a lot of companies struggled to figure out what those expectations and KPI’s were.”
[16.17] How Lean can help organizations to mitigate the risks involved in remote staffing.
[18.23] Utilizing data to better understand productivity, and how Lean can support in understanding those data insights.
“What do you with the data? That’s what a lot of companies don’t know. They have all this data, they’re tracking it, but they don’t know how to leverage it.”
[19.57] The ideal client for Lean Solutions.
[20.32] What onboarding and integration looks like with Lean Solutions.
“We use a lot of automation, automating your processes is key.”
[21.37] A case study showing how Lean helped a brokerage with their back end so they could focus on achieving fast growth, ultimately supporting that company to grow from $30-40 million a year to close to $1 billion.
[23.19] The future for Lean Solutions.
“There are a lot of good people everywhere in this world – we’re just looking to find them and connect them with our customers!”
Head over to Lean Solution’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lean and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Hunter on LinkedIn.
This episode was filmed at Home Delivery world. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
It’s episode 27 of Blended: I’m joined by another talented panel of guests and, today, we’re talking about addiction. This is a topic that is still very taboo. But, as with most things in life, it’s not black and white. Not all addicts are the same, and not everyone is addicted to alcohol or drugs. Our rapidly evolving culture has seen the rise of addiction to things like shopping, social media and even work, but our attitudes to addiction are still very much based in the past. And, around a very certain type of addict – the one I’m sure we’re all used to seeing meet a terrible fate in film and TV.
And this kind of thing always worries me, because none of our conversations around DEI can move forward if we’re still holding on to stereotypes and judgments. Things are moving forward for women, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community – it’s time to do the same for all those struggling with, or supporting loved ones who are struggling with, addiction.
Today, our guests will be sharing their experiences of addiction; the power of nature in aiding recovery; loss and grief; tackling addiction in the workplace; and advice on how we can support those struggling, at work and in our communities.
[01.15] Introductions to our Blended panelists.
[03.41] The group reflect on what addiction really is, and share their personal experiences, of struggling with addiction themselves and of supporting others.
“It really isn’t down to one specific thing or specific challenge, it’s a result of a lot of things.” Angie
“I grew up in a family of addicts… and through coping and dealing with trauma I, at a young age, got into drugs and drinking.” Ariel
[25.09] The panel discusses the power of nature in aiding recovery and share their different recovery journeys.
“Nature provides in every single way – it’s not just the biological, it’s the spiritual.” Ariel
[34.22] The group discusses what recovery looks like, tackling addiction in the workplace, and what companies can do to provide support and change mindsets when it comes to addiction.
“I would challenge some companies to start using the phrase ‘sober curious’.” Angie
“The HR industry has to figure this one out, because there are so many legalities of ‘how deeply do you get involved in an employee’s personal life?' ” Angie
[54.03] The panel reflects on the loss that often comes hand in hand with addiction, and how best to support people.
[1.07.02] The group sum up their thoughts from today’s discussion.
“When it comes to addiction, we can put ourselves on a pedestal. ‘Oh we don’t do that.’ There’s that stigma that comes with addiction. And once we take ourselves off that pedestal, we realize those people aren’t different to us, that we can help and support them and they have a place in this world.” Ariel
You can connect with Ariel on Instagram, or find out more about Angie's podcast Siblinghood of Recovery over on her website, or on Instagram.
If you enjoyed this podcast, why not check out 252: Blended – Hiding in Plain Sight: The Reality of Workplace Discrimination or 158: Blended – Story of my Life.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by GoBolt, a fast-growing tech-enabled, sustainably-focused logistics provider for local e-commerce shops as well as national brands.
GoBolt provides a technology-driven, customer-centric and sustainable approach to fulfillment, including reliable warehousing, pick and pack, shipping, and last-mile delivery. By operating as an extension of their customer's team, they are able to deliver best-in-class services every step of the way, ensuring faster, more cost-effective, and complete customer deliveries.
Today Mark Ang, Co-founder and CEO at GoBolt, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; bringing sustainability to an industry notorious for its heavy impact on the environment; its recent Series B funding success; why logistics is broken; and their goal to reach carbon-negative deliveries by the end of 2023.
[06.02] How GoBolt began as a different kind of business and evolved based on customer demands and market needs.
“Before we knew it, we were acting more like a logistics business than we thought… I don’t think people wake up and dream about starting a warehousing and logistics business!”
[09.26] An overview of GoBolt – what they do and how they help their customers.
“Essentially what we’re trying to create is a unified platform for every single logistics requirement for a scaling, or scaled, brand.”
[10.23] What GoBolt means when they say “we are the only thing between you and your customers” – and why that interface is so important.
“Our NPS [Net Promoter Score] is extremely high, up in the 80’s… typically in the last mile space, you see NPS's in the low teens.”
[12.24] A closer look at the technology that sits behind GoBolt, and what it does.
“What we really want to do is unshackle the customer from their day of delivery.”
[13.55] The areas across North America and Canada in which GoBolt operate, and what differentiates them from their competitors.
“What we’ve found, for enterprise brands and folks that are scaling quickly, is that the last thing they want to invest in is logistics – it's expensive and hard to get it right… but it’s the one thing that touches your customer every single time and reliability, or lack thereof, in your supply chain can make or break your brand.”
[15.56] How GoBolt supports reverse logistics, and facilitates different product outcomes, from donation to refurbishment for resale and recycling.
[17.55] What onboarding and integration look like with GoBolt.
[19.06] The ideal client for GoBolt.
“Part of our vision is to enable commerce by making logistics easy.”
[20.37] GoBolt’s commitment to sustainability, and why carbon offset isn’t the answer.
“There’s only 500 million hectares of re-forestable area in the world, and Shell for example has already committed to planting a tenth of that – so there’s not going to be that much land to go around! We actually need to do our part to become net zero as quickly as possible.”
[22.56] A case study showing how GoBolt helped a client to vastly increase customer satisfaction in last mile logistics, leading them to further leverage GoBolt’s skillsets across many other areas, from fulfillment to mid-mile.
[25.31] The future for GoBolt.
Head over to GoBolt’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GoBolt and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or you can connect with Mark on LinkedIn.
This episode was filmed at Home Delivery world. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by GoBolt, a fast-growing tech-enabled, sustainably-focused logistics provider for local e-commerce shops as well as national brands.
GoBolt provides a technology-driven, customer-centric and sustainable approach to fulfillment, including reliable warehousing, pick and pack, shipping, and last-mile delivery. By operating as an extension of their customer's team, they are able to deliver best-in-class services every step of the way, ensuring faster, more cost-effective, and complete customer deliveries.
Today Mark Ang, Co-founder and CEO at GoBolt, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; bringing sustainability to an industry notorious for its heavy impact on the environment; its recent Series B funding success; why logistics is broken; and their goal to reach carbon-negative deliveries by the end of 2023.
[06.02] How GoBolt began as a different kind of business and evolved based on customer demands and market needs.
“Before we knew it, we were acting more like a logistics business than we thought… I don’t think people wake up and dream about starting a warehousing and logistics business!”
[09.26] An overview of GoBolt – what they do and how they help their customers.
“Essentially what we’re trying to create is a unified platform for every single logistics requirement for a scaling, or scaled, brand.”
[10.23] What GoBolt means when they say “we are the only thing between you and your customers” – and why that interface is so important.
“Our NPS [Net Promoter Score] is extremely high, up in the 80’s… typically in the last mile space, you see NPS's in the low teens.”
[12.24] A closer look at the technology that sits behind GoBolt, and what it does.
“What we really want to do is unshackle the customer from their day of delivery.”
[13.55] The areas across North America and Canada in which GoBolt operate, and what differentiates them from their competitors.
“What we’ve found, for enterprise brands and folks that are scaling quickly, is that the last thing they want to invest in is logistics – it's expensive and hard to get it right… but it’s the one thing that touches your customer every single time and reliability, or lack thereof, in your supply chain can make or break your brand.”
[15.56] How GoBolt supports reverse logistics, and facilitates different product outcomes, from donation to refurbishment for resale and recycling.
[17.55] What onboarding and integration look like with GoBolt.
[19.06] The ideal client for GoBolt.
“Part of our vision is to enable commerce by making logistics easy.”
[20.37] GoBolt’s commitment to sustainability, and why carbon offset isn’t the answer.
“There’s only 500 million hectares of re-forestable area in the world, and Shell for example has already committed to planting a tenth of that – so there’s not going to be that much land to go around! We actually need to do our part to become net zero as quickly as possible.”
[22.56] A case study showing how GoBolt helped a client to vastly increase customer satisfaction in last mile logistics, leading them to further leverage GoBolt’s skillsets across many other areas, from fulfillment to mid-mile.
[25.31] The future for GoBolt.
Head over to GoBolt’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GoBolt and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or you can connect with Mark on LinkedIn.
This episode was filmed at Home Delivery world. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Envase Technologies, an innovative and fast-growing transportation software brand that is on a mission to deliver a single, streamlined system that digitizes the lifecycle of a container across the intermodal ecosystem.
Envase bring together everything you need to gain visibility and control over your operations, expose inefficiency, and de-clutter your system, including industry-leading TMS options to fit your needs, business intelligence, rate management tools, an integrated mobile driver app, and a complete marketplace.
Today Allen Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Envase Technologies, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of digitizing drayage; how simplicity empowers growth; and why the freight industry is vital to the future of the nation.
[07.24] How Envase Technologies was established, and the challenges that founder, Larry Cuddy, faced that led him to create his own solution.
“It all started with the challenges that the drivers face... the drivers in supply chain are left to pick up the pieces and deal with the inefficiencies.”
[09.45] Envase’s growth, from start-up to the largest drayage TMS provider in North America, and the role that a strategic acquisition strategy played in that growth.
“If you could integrate visibility, streamline processes, create a common mobile application that drivers could use – you could really improve the day to day process efficiencies.”
[11.56] An overview of Envase Technologies – what they do and how they help their customers.
[14.49] The key challenges faced by the industry right now, and why companies that don’t use a cloud-based drayage TMS face increasing issues.
“Everybody, from very small to very large, has the same two big challenges – visibility, and process efficiency.”
[19.25] A closer look at the Envase system for intermodal and drayage customers.
[24.37] A deeper dive into Envase’s over-the-road solutions, and how they’re helping carriers and brokers to compete in a difficult market and achieve success.
[27.44] The importance of building a wider ecosystem, why simplicity empowers growth, and how Envase is facilitating both of these things for their customers.
[31.43] What onboarding and integration looks like with Envase.
“We take a lot of time... to analyze and diagnose before we start prescribing.”
[34.08] The ideal client for Envase Technologies.
[35.44] A case study showing how Envase helped a client, that was struggling with cargo stuck in ports incurring costly charges, to overcome their challenges, ultimately reducing charges and increasing efficiency.
[39.12] The future for Envase Technologies.
Head over to Envase Technologies’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Envase and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.
If you want to hear more about drayage, why not check out one of our incredible live shows: No Bullshipping with Hope White. Hope brings an upbeat and uncensored take on key industry issues impacting the ocean freight market, global supply chain, drayage and their suppliers, ocean freight rates, technology, warehousing, and so much more.
Or, if you fancy a bit of fun, listen to our Halloween spooktacular, where Sarah and a group of special guests share their favorite supply chain horror stories. Expect financial fails, freaky guests, technology nightmares and highway horror stories!
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Envase Technologies, an innovative and fast-growing transportation software brand that is on a mission to deliver a single, streamlined system that digitizes the lifecycle of a container across the intermodal ecosystem.
Envase bring together everything you need to gain visibility and control over your operations, expose inefficiency, and de-clutter your system, including industry-leading TMS options to fit your needs, business intelligence, rate management tools, an integrated mobile driver app, and a complete marketplace.
Today Allen Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Envase Technologies, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of digitizing drayage; how simplicity empowers growth; and why the freight industry is vital to the future of the nation.
[07.24] How Envase Technologies was established, and the challenges that founder, Larry Cuddy, faced that led him to create his own solution.
“It all started with the challenges that the drivers face... the drivers in supply chain are left to pick up the pieces and deal with the inefficiencies.”
[09.45] Envase’s growth, from start-up to the largest drayage TMS provider in North America, and the role that a strategic acquisition strategy played in that growth.
“If you could integrate visibility, streamline processes, create a common mobile application that drivers could use – you could really improve the day to day process efficiencies.”
[11.56] An overview of Envase Technologies – what they do and how they help their customers.
[14.49] The key challenges faced by the industry right now, and why companies that don’t use a cloud-based drayage TMS face increasing issues.
“Everybody, from very small to very large, has the same two big challenges – visibility, and process efficiency.”
[19.25] A closer look at the Envase system for intermodal and drayage customers.
[24.37] A deeper dive into Envase’s over-the-road solutions, and how they’re helping carriers and brokers to compete in a difficult market and achieve success.
[27.44] The importance of building a wider ecosystem, why simplicity empowers growth, and how Envase is facilitating both of these things for their customers.
[31.43] What onboarding and integration looks like with Envase.
“We take a lot of time... to analyze and diagnose before we start prescribing.”
[34.08] The ideal client for Envase Technologies.
[35.44] A case study showing how Envase helped a client, that was struggling with cargo stuck in ports incurring costly charges, to overcome their challenges, ultimately reducing charges and increasing efficiency.
[39.12] The future for Envase Technologies.
Head over to Envase Technologies’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Envase and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.
If you want to hear more about drayage, why not check out one of our incredible live shows: No Bullshipping with Hope White. Hope brings an upbeat and uncensored take on key industry issues impacting the ocean freight market, global supply chain, drayage and their suppliers, ocean freight rates, technology, warehousing, and so much more.
Or, if you fancy a bit of fun, listen to our Halloween spooktacular, where Sarah and a group of special guests share their favorite supply chain horror stories. Expect financial fails, freaky guests, technology nightmares and highway horror stories!
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Grace Sharkey – writer, podcaster and self-confessed freight tech nerd.
Grace started her career as an account rep at Fifth Wheel Freight, a 3PL consistently honored on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Over her time with FWF, Grace honed her skills in roles across sales, operations, business development and strategy, before deciding to pivot in 2021, when she joined FreightWaves. Utilizing all of her supply chain knowledge, Grace thrived as a writer and, earlier this year, also became the host of popular radio show, FreightWaves Drive Time on SiriusXM.
Today Grace will be talking to us about her career so far; her love of freight technology innovation; making the leap from brokerage to broadcasting; and why supply chain was built for women. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
This Women in Supply Chain feature was sponsored by Sifted.
As a business dedicated to empowering confidence within the shipping industry, we’re proud to support women in supply chain. Sifted is the leading logistics intelligence software, that combines insights with expertise to empower bigger, smarter shipping decisions. As growth and disruptions present ongoing challenges for supply chain leaders, thousands rely on Sifted to set their businesses up for success. Learn more about Sifted here.
[06.41] Grace’s career journey, from a degree in international relations and affairs to supply chain, and why the two are so well suited.
“I was fundraising… And a number of logistics companies would actually come and recruit out of that job because it was the same type of work – on the phone, and being able to be scrappy with what people throw at you.”
[12.01] How a fundraising role led Grace to a start-up 3PL, and why she fell in love with supply chain.
“When you start in a start-up within this industry, you get a whole different view of problems, how they can be solved and how you want to grow a business… it was a great way to learn the industry from a grassroot level.”
[14.32] Grace’s growth and success at Fifth Wheel Freight, and what she learned along the way.
“Operations was my favorite. I love the carriers, they’re absolutely great – they’re more helpful than people think they are, you just have to listen to them!”
[18.51] Grace’s advice for people that might be eager to give supply chain a try, but are worried they don’t have the right education.
“If I was going to look at going back to school for something, I think I would stop myself first and say: 'what part of the supply chain do I want to be a part of?' - and find a way to shadow it.”
[24.15] Why Grace chose to pivot her career in 2021 and take the leap across to media to join FreightWaves, as a writer and host.
“I took a risk on something I didn’t know I would love so much.”
[30.39] As a writer and host, one question Grace wishes people would ask her.
[35.10] Why Grace founded The Shark Start, and why helping others is so important to her.
“If, as an industry, we said ‘how about we scrap these non-competes and we change them into partnerships?’ How quickly could we have our businesses grow, and have each of us winning?”
[40.13] Grace’s thoughts on why we are still not seeing enough women in supply chain leadership roles, and her advice for how we tackle the problem.
You can connect with Grace over on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.
If you enjoyed this episode, why not check out another woman in media, Marina Mayer. In episode 245, Marina talks all about her role as editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, as well as her views on mentorship and experiences as a working mother.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.