GOOD QUESTION | What advice would you give someone just starting out in logistics/supply chain?


Ask every question you can. Figure out the "why" and not only will you learn more about the overall process, you’ll understand how a seemingly small change could create significant problems for someone else.

Mary O’Connell
Pricing Analyst
Sunset Transportation


Make what it means to be emotionally intelligent a priority and embrace the principles as your landscape of interaction will be dynamically diverse. Understand that learning is a daily objective and be a lifelong learner. Be first at knowing who your customers are, internal and external, their expectations, and how to serve them. Make customer centricity a core value.

Elijah Ray
Chief Customer Officer
Sunland Logistics Solutions


Start at the most junior position in a warehouse or office and learn your way upward. And question the status quo.

Anil Eapen
Director, Ellaycom


 
     
   
     
 

Don’t expect to be good at it quickly. Problems are inevitable. Things will go wrong, but be patient.

David Cram
Operations Supervisor
ABF Freight


Soak up every opportunity to learn. Every detail matters. Cultivate critical listening and problem solving. Gratitude and kindness are everything.

Jerusha Gray
Logistics and Inventory Supervisor
Nikwax


Find a company with a trainee program and learn as much as you can to get your foot in the door.

Carolina A. Corriveau
Supply Chain Recruiting Specialist
JCPenney


Keep an open mind; know that every company uses a different ERP tool. It takes time to fully know the ins and outs of your role; don’t get discouraged.

Jeff Brown
Project Manager (Operations)
Amazon.com


Grind it out on an overnight or weekend shift. It’s a 24/7 business, and as people typically don’t like working off-hour shifts, you will advance your career and knowledge faster than the competition.

James Hedemark
Operations Manager, Cap Logistics


Take pride in doing your job properly. Have standards and be professional at all levels.

Jason Allbright
Lift Truck Operator
Shipping Department
SHIROKI North America


Never assume, always confirm.

Chris Ascencio Jr.
Operations, DSV


Don’t stay in one position for more than 2.5 years if you want to gain experience and be versatile.

Mohammed Bouakka
Supply Chain Management Professional


Don’t forget to see the whole picture while getting involved in the details.

Valeria Cruz Alayza
Supply Chain,
Central America Bottling Corp.


Lean on an experienced mentor to get you to your goals faster. Many baby boomers are retiring and looking to pass the torch. These veterans can put things in perspective, helping you achieve milestones.

Sean Mueller
Director, Business Development and Solutions
Symbia Logistics


Find mentors who will champion your leadership development; know who the experts are in every functional area of your company and within your supply chain and involve yourself in ways you can learn from them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; network inside and outside your company.

Robin Siekerman
VP Marketing & Customer Solutions
The Shippers Group


Seek knowledge from experienced individuals and network. Absorb as much knowledge as possible. Many aspects of the logistics/supply chain industry are learned with experience.

Brian Garza
Logistics Freight Manager
Mikmac Logistics


Always be willing to learn. In an ever-changing industry, complacency is death.

Kyle Morris
Logistics Solutions Manager
Ward Transport and Logistics


Expect the unexpected. Learn to prioritize early and often. The only constant is change.

Matt Gleisberg
Director of Operations
ModCloth


Be flexible and willing to adapt to change as the industry is constantly evolving. Stay engaged with the technological advancements impacting the industry and learn the systems that are optimizing the way we use data to make informed decisions and better service customers.

Mark Casiano
Senior Vice President
Odyssey Logistics & Technology


Stay adaptable as changes occur all the time.

Carolyn Harris
Supply Chain Logistics Coordinator
Morton Salt


Get to know every facet of the industry to the utmost of your ability. The more knowledge you have about a complex industry, the better you will be able to pinpoint customer needs and provide the service they want. Knowledge will also help you identify the risks involved and hiccups that can and will happen along the way.

Jenn Wood
Director of Corporate Risk & Support
Sunset Transportation


Have a great answer to a good question?

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What’s the first thing you would do to address the supply chain talent gap?
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