Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Katie Jo “KJ” Swaggert
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. Kaite Jo “KJ” Swaggert is our next feature.
Katie Jo “KJ” Swaggert
I've only had the pleasure of talking to KJ a couple of times, but I remember her holding strong eye contact and making me feel like she was actually interested in what I was saying, not just waiting for her turn to talk like so many people do these days. The folks around her describe her as lively, tenacious, and magnetic, and honestly, I see it and so does everyone else. Like a lot of us, she never planned a career in this industry, but she took the one she landed in and made it completely her own. She believes women need to advocate for themselves and speak up when they finally get a spot at the table. She loves getting outdoors with her family, has a genuine emotional connection to her Zulu water bottle, and might have a slightly unhealthy Post-it addiction.
What is your current role and company?
Head of Enterprise Alliances - ProShip, Inc.
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
Honestly, it was someone else who saw it in me before I did. I was in retail role training salespeople when someone suggested I look at a national carrier for a business development opportunity. I didn't have the required degree or the traditional background, but I backed myself, sold myself, and walked out with my first role as an account executive at UPS. And ever since, I've just kept saying yes to opportunities that grow my experience and exposure.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
Two things come to mind. First, I am a list person, so there is something really satisfying about seeing tasks and projects get across the finish line and getting things crossed off. But honestly, any chance I get to collaborate with my teammates at ProShip is a close second. I genuinely love the people I work with, and connecting with them is always a highlight of my day.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
Working virtually is such a gift, but it comes with a real blind spot for me, and that's remembering to move my body and step away from my desk. I can get so locked in that hours go by and I haven't gotten up once. It's definitely an area of opportunity!
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
Tech adoption lag is something I see a lot in our space. Companies are making real investments in supply chain software but not getting the return they should because the technology gets underutilized. And most of the time it isn't a technology problem, it's a people and process problem. Without proper training, change management, and internal buy-in, even the best software just sits there. That gap between what the technology can do and how it's actually being used is something our industry can address.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
I would invest in the people side of the equation first. The technology is there, the tools are good, so the focus needs to shift to implementation support, real training programs, and change management resources that actually set teams up to use what they've bought. I'd also use whatever influence I had to push vendors to take post-sale adoption as seriously as they take the sale itself. Getting a customer live is not the finish line, it's the starting line!
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Don't be your own roadblock. Take the job, accept the challenge, and speak up at the table because your voice and your perspective matter more than you know. One thing I've seen hold talented women back is talking themselves out of opportunities before anyone else even gets the chance to. Back yourself, ask for more, and remember that those who ask for more get more.
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?
The best defence is a good offence. I've been really intentional about surrounding myself with good, trustworthy, like-minded people, and that network becomes a natural filter. As a strong, confident professional, I've also learned that you set the tone for how people interact with you. I don't leave a lot of room for anything that isn't positive, productive, or moving things forward, and most of the time that standard speaks for itself.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
When the Minnesota weather cooperates, you'll find me out on the lake with my boys or hanging outside with the animals. We're a pretty sporty family, so whether it's shooting hoops, kicking a soccer ball around, or just throwing a ball in the yard, staying active is a big part of how I recharge.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I've changed my mind about what it means to end my day well and what actually makes a day a win. I used to think a good day ended with a clean inbox and a cleared task list, and anything less felt unfinished. Starting a new role has a way of rewriting those rules fast, and I've had to give myself grace and redefine what winning looks like when you're building something new and the work is bigger than any single day.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Colored Post It Notes
an Organized Calendar
my Zulu water bottle
Slippers
throwback hip hop playlist.
Social media for KJ:
