Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Katie Rodas
Welcome to our series celebrating the incredible women in Supply Chain and Logistics! In a traditionally male-dominated field, it's important to shine a light on the inspiring women who are making a significant impact. Through a mix of insightful and fun questions, we’ll explore their journeys, challenges, and successes. While we acknowledge the contributions of everyone in this industry, this series aims to elevate the voices and stories of women who often get missed. Katie Rodas is our next feature.
KATIE RODAS
Fellow Torontonian, Katie Rodas has basically been in logistics since birth, her first warehouse visit was at two weeks old thanks to her grandfather’s cash-and-carry. Now she’s an Account Manager at ADLI Logistics, thriving in Life Sciences with pharmaceuticals, bio-pharma, and medical devices (but she’s also moved everything from scented candles to fundraiser t-shirts). She loves the detail and accountability her work demands but isn’t shy about calling out the industry’s biggest headache: ambiguity. When she’s not managing freight, she’s lifting heavy, skiing, running, cycling, or training for her Taekwondo black belt. And on top of all that? Katie has been cheering on me and Ship Happens pretty much since day one, always showing up with support and encouragement.
What is your current role and company?
Account Manager, ADLI Logistics
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
My grandfather manager a small cash-and-carry warehouse for convenience stores. My baby book shows me I was in the warehouse first at 2-weeks old. After after university I ended up working for a printing company, organizing the weekly retail flyers across Canada. The role was less about printing and more about getting the flyer to every newspaper in Canada, on time, every week. I started getting really interested in the logistics of how everything got there.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
Mornings - the anticipation, the transition into my work life.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
If lunch is delayed I get very cranky.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
Ambiguity - I know it's not just me, but uncertainty around... pickup times, time to come online, policy changes, government approvals. "we can proceed once someone else does something"
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
Status updates for government submissions. Regularly updated, granular. I can see when my pizza is being QC'd for delivery, why can't you tell me when my license will be reviewed?
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Find people you trust and check in with them regularly. They might be in another industry, they might be male or female, but having someone else to help you build perspective can be very valuable. Nothing is as terrible (or as fantastic) as you think today, and very seldom are people actually thinking about you.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
"Wow, that's a strange thing to say out loud"
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Podcast and a walk, or lifting really heavy weights
What have you recently changed your mind about?
[Strategic] cold calling works.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Coffee
Spotify
my sleep mask
lip balm
hair tie
Social media for Katie:
