Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Mia Mazal
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. Mia Mazal is our next feature.
Mia Mazal
Unfortunately I have yet to meet Mia in person, but even just interacting online with her, I find her to be kind, thoughtful and supportive. Like may other women that I have featured she ended up in this industry at random and she has flourished. Like me she dreads the midday crash but its nothing a cup of coffee (or 5) can’t fix. She is really intentional with how she shows up and she is an advocate for finding a conference uncle (or auntie) as a mentor to make the industry less intimidating. Her day is not complete without some time in the sun and a genuine conversation. I am really glad we connected and I look forward to the day we can share a coffee in person.
What is your current role and company?
Co-Founder and COO of Talento
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
I actually fell into it. I was studying how to work with children with special needs and learning how to manage behaviors when I got a call about joining a nearshoring company in the logistics industry. It was totally random, but I love learning and had always wanted to live internationally, so I hopped on a plane and moved to Colombia. I started learning as I went along. Unfortunately, the company closed, but fortunately, it gave me the experience and opportunity to build Talento from the ground up!
What is your favourite part of your work day?
I like my “second shift,” which is when I work after the workday. I am more productive because no messages or calls are distracting me. It is the time when I feel the most productive.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
Noon/lunch, because that’s my midday crash, and I start to feel the stress of the accumulated work. But with a good cup of Colombian coffee or some Argentinian yerba mate, I am all set.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
With more issues like fraud, double brokering, etc., people are becoming more involved in safety and risk mitigation. Therefore, nearshoring can potentially feel like a scary thought because of the stereotypical myths and fears around not having control, visibility, etc. To ensure we can connect teams internationally without issue or fear, we will need to be even more intentional and always up to date on new ways to protect ourselves and our customers.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
I think education is a big piece. It’s important to understand that there are parameters in place that protect companies, and many of the fears leaders may have about adding nearshore talent to their teams is not accurate. If I could educate everyone in the industry about the truths and myths personally, I would.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Being new is scary. Being new and completely different from the rest is even scarier. Find your mentors, or what I call “conference uncles.” These are people who are willing to guide you and mentor you, who won’t think your questions are silly or naive, who have your back whether you are in the room or not, and who ultimately help connect you and bring you to the right people and rooms.
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?
I don’t put up with it. I used to laugh it off and still interact, but now I know better than to try to demand respect from someone I don’t respect. I simply walk away and don’t deal with them. They are not worth my time. Your time is a privilege.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
It used to be taking care of my garden and plants, but now I am reading more and more. I used to choose more high-level reads but decided to start reading simpler books that don’t take much brainpower. Once I start, I can’t put them down. More fantasy, romance, and things that are not work-related.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I’ve realized that I don’t actually dislike interviewing. I dislike the type of interviews I’ve been conducting. Recently, I had a few interviews that I genuinely enjoyed, and I think it comes down to one thing: the questions I’m asking. If I’m asking the right questions and providing the right prompts, candidates naturally give much more descriptive and insightful answers. Instead of asking questions that lead to simple yes-or-no responses, I ask questions that encourage them to explain their thought processes, experiences, and decision-making. That gives me a much clearer picture of who they are and how they work. Also, when the conversation is guided this way, the candidate becomes much more interesting. They end up sharing the reasons they would or wouldn’t be a good fit for the role without me having to pull the information out of them. It feels less like checking boxes and more like having a meaningful conversation that reveals how they think and whether they align with what we’re looking for.
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Can I say coffee five times? Kidding! Firstly, definitely coffee.
At least one meal that is more than just two ingredients. An intentional meal that looks good, tastes good, and makes me feel good.
A sunrise or sunset, or just the sun in general. I need it to come out to feel like the day has started.
Some type of body movement, whether it’s a walk, jumping rope, a 15-minute guided circuit, or a one-mile run.
A sense of accomplishment. Crossing at least one meaningful thing off my to-do list makes the whole day feel better.
A genuine conversation. Whether internal or external, a simple interaction can change the trajectory of the day.
Social media for Mia:
