Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Taylor Pawelka
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. Taylor Pawelka is our next feature.
TAYLOR PAWELKA
Taylor is exactly the kind of woman this series was made for, she’s sharp, witty, and genuinely so supportive. We connected on LinkedIn (as one does), but getting to meet in person at Manifest this year sealed it, freight bestie status, confirmed. As Vice President of Marketing & Alliances at ProShip, she is magnetic and you feel it the second you're in the same room as her. She's one of those people who does things a little differently, but in the best way. I mean, the woman hosted a roast about bad shipping strategies, which is frankly genius. She runs on iced coffee, Diet Coke, pop-punk, dog walks, and hugs from her boys — a lineup that somehow makes perfect sense for her. I am so lucky to call her a friend.
What is your current role and company?
Vice President of Marketing & Alliances at ProShip
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
Hesitantly! Only because I was fresh out of college and unsure of the work world in general, let alone shipping, supply chain, or logistics software. It all kind of seemed a bit stuffy, but I walked into the lime green ProShip offices and was met with the most kindhearted and wildly smart human beings. I could not be happier that I actually went to that interview instead of blowing it off.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
Honestly, mornings are my favorite. I like starting the day by going through emails, getting my bearings, and seeing what came in overnight. There’s usually something unexpected to dig into, and I like figuring out how that shapes the rest of my day or coming weeks.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
My least favorite part of the day is when I’m stuck in meetings that don’t have a clear outcome or next step. I’m very action‑oriented, so I’m happiest when conversations end with decisions or ownership. That’s also why I’m proactive about clarifying goals or following up with summaries, so the time spent actually moves the work forward.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
One systemic issue I see right now is the gap between how fast warehouses are automating and how fragile some of the underlying systems still are. Automated environments move at machine speed, but a lot of the tech, especially API‑dependent pieces, still behave like they’re allowed to be slow or flaky. When a conveyor or print‑and‑apply line is waiting on an API response, even a small delay can cascade into backups, manual workarounds, or missed SLAs. Right-size box-building machines and conveyors don’t care that an API is "having a moment".
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
Well, I wouldn’t try to ‘fix’ automation at all. I actually think automation is absolutely the right direction. The issue I’d address is the industry tendency to treat APIs as the only answer. APIs have a real place, but they’re not always the right tool, especially in high‑volume warehouses where milliseconds matter. If I had the power or influence, I’d push for more honest, choice‑driven architectures. API when it makes sense, on‑platform or local options when speed and reliability matter, and real backup paths when things inevitably go wrong. The biggest change I’d make is transparency: stop over‑promising simplicity and start designing systems that can actually hold up under pressure. I always say "never over promise and under deliver". That's where trust completely erodes.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Don’t wait to be invited to the table, and once you’re there, for the love of God, don’t whisper.
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?
Keep this in your back pocket "I'm incredibly surprised that you feel comfortable saying that to me." No, for real - the second it gets weird, walk away giving side-eye.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Sitting down with a glass of wine and racing monster trucks down the ramp with my boys.
Thrifting - I LOVE a good thrift. Seriously, send me your finds, I will fawn over them with you.
Watching my beloved Brewers (but any fan would understand that this often causes me more stress).
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I used to think I had to sound more certain than I actually felt. Now I’m much more comfortable being transparent - with colleagues, prospects, partners, customers, everyone. It builds trust faster, avoids awkward moments later, and saves a lot of unnecessary stress (and nobody needs more stress, come on now).
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Iced coffee
Hugs from my boys
Diet coke
A walk with my dog
Pop-punk music.
Social media for Taylor:
