315: Women In Supply Chain™, Ashley Yentz
Ashley Yentz is a supply chain leader with a degree in mathematics who began her career with internships at automotive giant Toyota. Her experience spans roles from a logistics analyst at Hilti to strategic planning and Kaizen facilitation. Ashley is a passionate advocate for women in supply chain, sharing her experiences in male-dominated fields and advising others to find a supportive community and trust their intuition. She believes her ultimate goal is to drive a shift toward sustainability and social consciousness, viewing it as a core responsibility for supply chain professionals.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™, I’m joined by Ashley Yentz, a supply chain leader who is passionate about driving sustainability and creating solutions that improve lives.
Ashley discovered her love for supply chain during several successful internships at automotive megabrand, Toyota. And, after a stint as a logistics analyst at Hilti, Ashley’s career really took flight at LeanCor Supply Chain Group. She developed, implemented, and managed lean supply chains totaling around $300M in annual transportation spend and, in 2021, she brought all of her experience, knowledge and passion to her current role as VP of Supply Chain and Material Flow at Sleep Number, a leader in sleep and wellness technology.
Today Ashley will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for creating a more inclusive workforce; developing customer-focused solutions; and why her ultimate goal is to influence a priority shift toward climate change and social consciousness in the logistics and supply chain industry. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
SHOW SPONSOR:
Women fuel the success of some of the world’s most successful businesses, yet barriers still exist.
SAP is committed to supporting and elevating a new generation of women to profoundly lead and impact global supply chains and are proud to support the Women In Supply Chain™ Series and its efforts.
Supply chains need to evolve from low cost and optimized to risk-resilient and sustainable and SAP can help. SAP Digital Supply Chain solutions connect the entire process — design, planning, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, and service; connecting your supply chains to the rest of your business and all your contextual data; supporting your efforts in alleviating risk in your supply chains. SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and for the last 50 years has been helping companies to run better.
Find out more at sap.comscm
Ashley’s career journey, from being raised by creative entrepreneurs and gaining a degree in mathematics, to being introduced to supply chain by a mentor.
What Ashley learned during her time working for Toyota.
Ashley’s journey within Toyota, from strategic planning to inventory; how the recession led to a move to Hilti; and why a passion for Lean Systems eventually took her to LeanCor.
Ashley’s experience of being one of only two female senior leaders at LeanCor, and the importance of finding people that value what you have to say.
Why Ashley moved to Sleep Number, her advice on finding the right career fit, and why Sleep Number values wellness.
Ashley’s biggest career achievements to date.
Ashley’s experience as a woman in the male-dominated fields of construction, supply chain and automotive, how she built courage over time and her advice for how women can thrive.
Ashley’s favorite thing about supply chain.
Ashley’s thoughts on the importance of sustainability in supply chain. “I believe that profit and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Resources & Links Mentioned
- You can connect with Ashley over on LinkedIn.
- If you enjoyed this episode, check out 310: Women In Supply Chain™, Grace Sharkey, featuring another woman in supply chain who has followed her heart when it comes to her career journey. Or, if you’re keen to hear more about the importance of sustainability in supply chain, why not listen to what Mary McNelly has to say in episode 250.
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