Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Claudia Beumer
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. Claudia Beumer is our next feature.
Claudia Beumer
Not only is Claudia one of the most stylish women I've met in this industry, she's also one of the kindest and cleverest, and I enjoyed every conversation we had when we met at Breakbulk in Rotterdam. Claudia is the founder of C4 Fuel and works in bunkering, a corner of supply chain I knew little to nothing about, which meant I asked what I can only assume were some very silly questions. She never made me feel like it. No judgement, no gate-keeping language, no ego. She just broke down what bunkering is and the challenges it's facing in a way that was clear, simple, and actually interesting, which is harder to pull off than most people realize.
This industry could use a lot more people like her, people willing to meet the curious where they are instead of making them feel small for not already knowing. She's also on a mission to get bunkering the attention it deserves in the maritime energy transition. Not to mention she has some seriously awesome sneakers. I'm already looking forward to the next time we hang out so I can learn even more.
What is your current role and company?
Founder of C4 Fuel B.V.
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
When I worked at Emerson, I stepped into the maritime world as a Business Development Manager for Fuel Measurements and fell in love with the maritime industry.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
The early hours of the day, when I am full of inspiration and energy to support the maritime energy transition.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
I don’t like back-to-back online meetings as they are just a very thin version of really meeting and connecting with people.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
The fact that bunkering does not get the attention it deserves. This part has a huge potential for optimization and we are not capturing it to the extend we should.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
Two folded: inside the industry by doing a global road trip, organizing workshops with the C-level decision makers throughout the supply chain to raise awareness and outside the industry by developing a campaign around the importance of maritime for society (trusting that will also create support for the use of future fuels with its pricing impact).
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
You are in it for the long run and once you enter this industry, you will fall in love with it.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
further I do not listen a lot to podcasts, but prefer to listen to music ;-)
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
Mildred Hofkes (not only supply chain, but management in general)
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
I have to be honest that I have not encountered many of them over the years I have been in this industry. Max 2 and to be honest, they are in every industry and also in our wider society so I just ignore them. They have a bigger issue with themselves than I have with them. I have more issues with the big ego's as they are holding back progress of our industry in general.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Waking up early, do my volunteer work in the community pet zoo, enjoy a coffee in the sun, read a little and have a really tough workout to end the day.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I used to work 24/7 and preferably 28/7 and now that my parents are getting older and my daughter is a grown up, I realise that there is more to life than just work. So I am aiming to move to normal working hours (difficult but getting there)
Must haves to get you thru the day?
My bottle of water with electrolyte powder
A tough workout
A proper lunch
Background music whilst working
At least one meaningful conversation with a partner/ customer/ supplier or industry friend
Social media for Claudia:
