In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™ I’m joined by Nermine Saad, an industry trailblazer who wants to inspire others, especially women, to embrace opportunities, take risks and lean into their growth.
Nermine is a seasoned supply chain leader with nearly 20 years of experience in logistics, operations, demand planning, and software implementation.
Today Nermine and I will be talking all about her career journey; fostering a culture of learning; what she learned from moving all the way from Egypt to Canada; and what the future of digital transformation really looks like.
SHOW SPONSOR
The Women In Supply Chain™ Forum was created by Marina Mayer and Jason Desearle to foster real connections—bringing men and women 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. 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. Find out more at Supply and Demand Chain Executive.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[03.48] What sparked Nermine’s intertest in logistics, and how it led her to seek out a career that connected strategy, people and operations.
“I realized there’s an entire industry behind the movement of goods, and it involves shipping lines, airlines, ports, and so much more. The more I read, the more I was fascinated.”
[05.46] The early years of Nermine’s career in Egypt and the big lessons she learned, from building credibility to the importance of resilience and consistency.
“It was a rough experience… I was the only woman, and it added a lot of pressure.”
[08.53] Nermine’s experience of moving from Egypt to Canada, and rebuilding her life, career and network.
“Moving to Canada gave me whole new perspective on diversity.”
[12.49] The differences between building a career in Egypt and Canada, and why stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing risk leads to the biggest opportunities.
[15.52] Nermine’s commitment to education, from pursuing qualifications outside of work to fostering a culture of learning at Tecsys, and why it’s so important.
“Learning has been the driving force of my career. Education doesn’t stop the moment you earn your degree – its just the beginning.”
“A culture of learning naturally becomes a culture of leadership.”
[19.42] Nermine’s role as Application Services Manager at Tecsys, and what a day in her life looks like.
[22.47] The importance of digital transformation, where businesses go wrong, and what a transformation journey should look like.
“Digital transformation is not just implementing technology. It’s really about people, processes, and a mindset… But when people start, they often get overwhelmed.”
“Waiting for a disruption to implement a change can be really risky. The organizations that are proactive and stay ahead of the game are the ones that have a competitive edge and keep their operations steady.”
[25.04] Nermine’s advice for leaders focusing on digital transformation in 2026.
[27.01] Nermine’s experience of collaboration, mentorship and empowerment – how others have supported her, and how she pays it forward.
“Collaboration is so powerful – when people feel supported, seen and heard, they produce their best work.”
[29.52] What being named as an industry trailblazer means to Nermine, as a woman and as an Egyptian living, working and thriving in North America.
[32.32] The future for Nermine.
“Supply chain never stops evolving, and that’s energising. There’s always an opportunity for you to make an impact, inspire others and keep pushing.”
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Nermine over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more award-winning women, check out 447: Women In Supply Chain™, Nikki Driskill, 438: Women In Supply Chain™, Maria Madrigal or 506: Women In Supply Chain™, Zera Zheng.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
