Welcome to 2026—it’s a new year, ripe with tremendous disruption and opportunities that have been the hallmark of the 2020’s so far. Gender diversity is more important than ever for companies to navigate the latest sea changes and drive business success. Why? Businesses with women on their executive committees earn a return on equity almost 50% higher than those without. Organizations in the top 25% for gender diversity are 27% more likely to outperform the industry average in profitability.
While women are rising in the ranks—up to 29% in the C-suite, up from 17% a decade earlier—men still hold 66% of management roles. And women still receive less advocacy and sponsorship, meaning fewer promotions and less representation at the top.
But there’s good news, too: recent reports show that women now make up 40% of the supply chain workforce. At Let’s Talk Supply Chain, our Women In Supply Chain™ series aims to increase that number and expand mentorship, career growth, and advancement opportunities for women who are as qualified as their male counterparts.
Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain™ program, blog, and podcast series showcase the importance of greater gender representation. This month’s featured leader is an outspoken advocate for women entering the industry and advancing in their careers.
We are honored to highlight Leigh Barnard, the Chief Operating Officer at Cooler Logistics. Leigh boasts 15 years of experience in leading operational growth strategies for supply chain organizations and building critical relationships with customers, shippers, and receivers. She has a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising from DePaul University.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
I never intended for logistics to be my career. I majored in PR and Advertising, but graduated at a time when there were fewer opportunities in those fields. After dozens of rejected applications, I realized I needed to shift gears. Load Delivered took a chance on me and brought me on in an entry operations role. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this fast-paced industry, which rewarded drive and celebrated innovation, was where I was meant to be. I transitioned from operations to account management, eventually working my way up to senior management, and now serve as the COO of Cooler Logistics. Every role has taught me more about myself and reinforced the fact that logistics is where I was always meant to be.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
I’ve learned a lot from so many people throughout my career, but I don’t have anyone I would label a mentor. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Woman In Supply Chain series. This industry would benefit from creating and growing a mentor pipeline.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Working in a historically male-dominated industry has been an incredible experience. Knowing that your voice is underrepresented makes you more intentional about how you use it. When I’m at the table with leadership, I understand that I’m setting the tone and expectations for those who come after me. While that can be a lot of pressure, it’s a powerful opportunity to stand out.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
Like many young professionals early in their careers, I thought the best way to be heard was to have an opinion about everything. I gave feedback, requested or not, on every process change, technology rollout, and policy adjustment. My manager at the time pulled me aside and told me I needed to do a better job of picking my battles. While that felt harsh initially, I took it to heart. I realized that being more strategic about when and how I used my voice significantly increased its impact and allowed me to influence real change within my departments.
5. What advice do you have for Women In Supply Chain™ and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Don’t give up your voice for the sake of likability. Women are taught from a very young age that likeability is king. We want to please our parents, get along with our friends, and be admired by our teachers. This ingrained need can, in some ways, be a strength—our high social and emotional intelligence helps us navigate high-stress situations with ease. But people-pleasing can quickly become a weakness if it leads you to silence your ideas and opinions to avoid confrontation. Be respectful, but make your voice heard. There are still people in this world who label an outspoken woman a hassle, but far more don’t, and they will have your back if you dare to speak up.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I really admire Melinda Gates. She’s a shining example of how wealth and philanthropy should go hand in hand, and how true success cannot be achieved without giving back to our communities. Gates’ philanthropic focus can and should be replicated across all industries. Her dedication to women’s health and education is incredibly inspiring.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I’ve learned that I want to be great at my job. I want the people I work with to know that I will show up every day and put in 100%. On the flip side, I know I won’t be happy working with people who don’t show up in the same way. The future holds more opportunities to gain experience as a leader, and I intend to seize them. A year from now, I hope I’ve pushed to hire more women at Cooler Logistics, spent time mentoring and coaching each of them, increased our philanthropic efforts by growing our Cooler Cares initiative, and spent more time learning about this massive industry and expanding my network.
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain™ feature mean to you?
It’s such an honor to be featured in the Woman in Supply Chain series. When I started at my first brokerage, I so desperately wanted a woman mentor to look up to and learn from, so it would be incredibly rewarding to be that person for someone else. The supply chain and logistics industry offers so many opportunities, and I believe that highlighting successful women in logistics will inspire more to enter the field.
We hope our Women In Supply Chain™ blog series inspires readers to reimagine what’s possible, take action, and bring people from different backgrounds together for stronger and more meaningful collaboration. Keep reading our Women In Supply Chain™ Blog.
Women In Supply Chain™: Empowering Your Journey at Every Career Stage
Whether you’re just starting or leading at the highest levels, our Women In Supply Chain™ membership programs are designed to support you in every career phase. We offer multiple tailored tiers to help you connect, grow, and lead within the supply chain industry.
Women In Supply Chain™ Connections
Build Your Network. Shape Your Future. ($199/year)
Step into a vibrant community where you can share, learn, and grow as a woman in supply chain. Whether you’re just beginning your career or seeking support in your current role, Women In Supply Chain™ Connections provides an essential space to connect, network, and thrive. For $199 a year, you’ll will:
What you’ll experience:
Dynamic virtual discussions on pressing industry topics
Exclusive access to targeted job opportunities through our community board
Meet-ups to build authentic relationships with peers
Bi-annual virtual networking events with industry leaders
A supportive community that champions your growth
Perfect for: Supply chain professionals seeking to expand their network and tap into a supportive community of like-minded women.
Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Women In Supply Chain™ Connections
Are you a woman navigating the dynamic world of supply chain? Join our vibrant community and gain access to:
Virtual discussions on relevant topics
Community job boards and local meetups
Bi-annual virtual networking events
And much more!
Join today for just $199 a year!
Meet Our Sponsors
The Women In Supply Chain™ Forum™ was co-created by Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, to bring female logistics professionals together to network, learn, and build lasting bonds beyond traditional conferences. It’s about strengthening pipelines, creating a community of advocates, mentors, and trusted peers and branding yourself, both personally and professionally. Similarly, the Women In Supply Chain™ Award was born from a need to recognize female leaders navigating challenges and driving change. Since its inception five years ago, it has grown to nearly 400 submissions, celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future of supply chain. Go to https://www.
About the Author
Naomi Sylvian is a content marketing leader with more than 17 years of experience, and the editor of Let’s Talk Supply Chain™’s Women In Supply Chain™ series. Her works have appeared on Forbes, Mashable, Business Insider, The Muse, and Yahoo, and have been mentioned by The New York Times Online. Naomi mentors at-risk teens to fight recidivism and contribute on a local level, working with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.
