In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Alexis Mizell-Pleasant – editor, writer, content creator and veteran.
Alexis served in the U.S. Navy as an Engineer and Supervisor in the Reactor department engine room onboard the USS Ronald Reagan, before embracing her passion for writing and pursuing a career in media. Benefitting from a diverse resume of communications experience, Alexis is currently Managing Editor of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines.
Today Alexis will be talking to us about her career so far; her time in the US Navy and passion for supporting veterans; balancing career success with motherhood; and her take on the supply chain trends to look out for. 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 SPONSORS:
GoFreight
GoFreight is proud to sponsor the ‘Women in supply chain™ podcast series, recognizing women’s vital role in the industry and the need to highlight their contributions and experiences. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the supply chain field and are honored to support initiatives that empower and inspire women in their professional journeys.
GoFreight is the world’s leading cloud-based freight forwarding management system. In addition to its comprehensive core features, including business quoting, ocean and air freight processes, invoicing and payments, accounting, and finance, customers highly favor it for providing a customer-facing platform that meets the needs of freight forwarders and their clients and agents.
With GoFreight, tasks such as quoting, booking, cargo tracking, and data reporting, which traditionally required email or phone communication, can now be quickly completed through a user-friendly online platform, similar to booking flights or hotels.
For more information, visit GoFreight.
Supply & Deman Chain
This year, we received over 400 submissions for our Women in Supply Chain award, the highest amount of applications not only for this award, but also for all of our awards. What’s more, 118 of those applications were submitted by male counterparts, nominating their boss, co-worker or associate. Last year, that figure was just at 75. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, a tremendous uptick from last year’s award, which just saw 12 self-nominations. This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. That’s why this award is so important to Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains. What these female leaders, entrepreneurs and supply chain professionals are doing continues to push the needle toward excellence, and every year, I feel blessed to celebrate these wonderful women of logistics. And we’re doing just that at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, set for Nov. 14-15 in Atlanta. Go to www.WomeninSupplyChainForum to register and learn more. We’re all better together. Collaboration is key to promoting and supporting women in supply chain.
For more information, vision Supply & Demand Chain.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[05.53] Alexis’s early years, and the family history that led her to join the navy and attend a military college.
[07.53] Alexis’s passion for communication and the arts, why she moved from the military to academia, and how she came to study British literature in London.
“My love for communication stems from my experience in the military… And I always had a passion for writing and editing, but I never thought I could do a job with it. Growing up in a small town in South Carolina, nobody does that kind of job… but after leaving the navy and opening my eyes to possibilities, I ran with it!”
[12.10] How Alexis joined AC Business Media, and her prior experience of supply chain.
“None of the things on my resume look like they connect, but if you start to dissect the basics – communication, good leadership – all of it goes together and pushed me down the path I’m on today.”
[14.41] A closer look at Alexis’s role as the Managing Editor at Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics magazines.
“The awesome part is getting to look for stories, sit down and write – I’m constantly learning.”
[15.37] Alexis’s perspective on the supply chain industry, and why it needs to be more proactive in seeking out fresh pairs of eyes.
[16.49] Alexis’s take on the emerging supply chain trends to look out for.
“There is so much change… it’s incredible how AI tools are impacting supply chain – that’s one thing we really have to pay attention to.”
[18.41] Alexis’s experience as a woman, as she moved from the navy to supply chain, and the similarities between the two worlds.
“Supply chain, logistics, trucking – they’re not pushed towards women, so they become heavily male influenced… but I’ve seen so many powerful women in this space who use their voice to advocate for other women”
[19.57] The growth of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics magazine’s Women in Supply Chain award and forum, and their collaboration with Let’s Talk Supply Chain.
[22.52] The importance of supporting veterans as they transition out of the military and into civilian life, and Alexis’s tips for organizations looking to hire veterans.
[25.42] Why Alexis is a Mom first, the challenges of striking the work/life balance, and the importance of an understanding, empathetic work culture.
“A lot of Mom’s feel isolated… working for a company that understands and is respectful and looks at you as a mother is huge.”
[29.25] Alexis’s perspective on the importance of supply chain certifications and ongoing education.
[32.33] The future for Alexis.
“This industry is not boring… there’s so much, I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Alexis over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from women in media, check out 245: Women in supply chain™, Marina Mayer or 310: Women in supply chain™, Grace Sharkey.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
