Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain: Valerie Carlson
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. Valerie Carlson is our next feature.
VALERIE CARLSON
Val and I bonded in a bathroom at a party during Manifest after I “rescued” her and another woman from a very drunk creep. Honestly, men would be surprised how often female friendships in this industry start exactly like that.
Like many women in logistics, Valerie didn’t plan this career, she found her way into it through a connection and then proved she belonged. She’s a firm believer that the right person should get the job, but she’s also realistic about the fact that both known and unconscious biases still show up in hiring. She advocates for transparency and documentation, not just hiring from instinct or familiarity.
When she’s not placing the perfect candidate, she’s unplugging, tending to her garden, and spending time with her family.
What is your current role and company?
Vice President of Talent Acquisition, Logitalent
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
I got into logistics as a new mom looking for stability and a real income ceiling beyond retail. I reached out to my best friend, who was recruiting in the industry at the time, to explore what was possible. I didn’t just want flexibility... I wanted growth - and it turned out to be the best career pivot I could’ve made!
What is your favourite part of your work day?
Helping candidates move from underappreciated to properly valued. Nothing makes my heart sing louder than convincing a candidate to take the plunge and get to a deserving new employer... And bonus- I love money. My favorite part is advocating while making a lot of money doing it.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
Letting a candidate down to tell them they didn't get the job.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
One systemic issue that concerns me is bias in hiring decisions... whether conscious or unconscious. Talent should be evaluated on performance, revenue impact, and leadership ability, not assumptions or optics.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
If I had the influence, I’d standardize hiring around measurable performance criteria- revenue production, leadership outcomes, operational impact. I'd also require decisions to be DOCUMENTED against those metrics. Transparency tends to eliminate bias.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Learn the rules of the room before you try to change them. This industry rewards confidence, clarity, and results. Know your numbers, control your emotions, and speak with conviction. Your presence is an asset... use it strategically.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Joe Rogan
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
Jennifer Morris
Embarrassingly or admittedly... I've simply not been exposed to more to choose 4 others. But I welcome recommendations!!
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
Depends on my mood that day. Sometimes I may take screenshots and put them on blast.. Other times if I feel feisty I'll up the ante and be even creepier to make THEM uncomfortable.. OR if I have no energy to engage - to protect my peace I just block them and move on.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Shutting the damn phone off and being present to play with my children. When spring/summer hits - you'll catch me out in my garden tending to all my flowers and vegetables!
What have you recently changed your mind about?
Christianity. I still believe in God, but I don't subscribe to the version of Him I was taught in Catholic school...
Must haves to get you thru the day?
Zyn (Don't judge. Better than a vape or cigarette!!)
Adderall (Don't judge. I was diagnosed in the 90s before it was common to be diagnosed with ADHD. I'd be an insomniac without it!)
One Pepsi per day. I just need one.
Hearing "I love you" in the morning from my children and husband. Every morning I greet them all with hugs and an "I love you!"
Picking a card out of my deck from my "Positive Affirmations" deck
Social media for Valerie:
