Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain:

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. Sofia Rivas Herrera is our next feature.

SOFIA RIVAS HERRERA

Sofia and I have never actually met in person. We connected entirely through Supply Chain Social Club, and somehow that was enough to figure out we're cut from the same cloth: same views, same goals, same low tolerance for the things holding women back in this industry. The kind of person you click with online and immediately think, we would absolutely be friends in real life. Lucky for me, she's in my network now, and in person coffee is on the agenda when we finally cross paths.

You're going to like her. She ran away from manufacturing, landed in supply chain, and hasn't slowed down since, she's a Supply Chain Ambassador with strong opinions about gatekeeping, "confidentiality" used as a shield, and back-to-back meetings where everyone's camera is mysteriously off. (Same, Sofia. Same.)

1. What is your current role and company?

   • Supply Chain Ambassador

2. How did you end up in the world of supply chain?

   • I ran away from manufacturing and discovered that Supply Chain was around it and everything else in the world, I wanted to be part of something bigger and I found it.

3. What is your favourite part of your work day?

   • Flexible schedule and work from home.

4. What is the least favourite part of your work day?

   • Unnecessary back to back online meeting with camera off from participants.

5. What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?

   • The inability to access key data in real-time. The bureaucracy and gatekeepers of information, as well as the "confidentiality" between areas that keeps us from sharing data.

6. How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?

   • I would apply a radical transparency policy internally (between areas of the organization).

7. What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?

   • Keep trying and building your own road - do it while bringing others with you. There is no point if everything you build is only for you.

8. What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)

   • Good Hang with Amy Pohler (Comedy)

   • Hot Rich Smart with Maggie Sellers (Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship)

   • Behind the Wall with Daniel Wall (Music Industry)

9. Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?

   • Sarah Barnes-Humphrey

   • Sheri Hinish

   • Marcia Williams

   • Linda Reddy

   • Katie and Courtney from She Supply Chains

   • Stephanie Benedetto

   • Fatima Alvarez

10. How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?

    • I mirror their behaviour; if they give me a compliment, I'll reply with a compliment for them. It is amazing how easy they freak out.

11. What is your favourite way to unwind?

    • Singing out loud, watching BTS (K-pop) music videos, reading novels (sci-fi, or historical fiction), learning a new language (e.g. Korean).

12. What have you recently changed your mind about?

    • Linear careers and the idea that being a CEO/CSCO is the only role that can determine is you are successful or not.

13. Must haves to get you thru the day?

    • Coffee

    • lip balm

    • eye glasses

    • my planner/agenda

    • my phone

Social media for Sofia:

• LinkedIn

QUICK FIRE ROUND: