In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™ I’m joined by Jennie Malafarina, an industry trailblazer who wants to help build community and highlight other amazing women in this space.
With more than a decade of experience in logistics tech and B2B SaaS marketing, Jennie brings a blend of strategic insight and executional rigor to every client engagement. She’s held multiple senior marketing roles, and served as a marketing professor at The University of Akron.
Today Jennie and I will be talking all about her career journey; cultivating collaboration and community; turning marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver; and why there’s still a shortage of Women In Supply Chain™.
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:
[02.30] An introduction to Jennie and her businesses Virago Marketing and FR8MVMT.
[05.03] Why Jennie pursued a degree in communications, and how having three kids under five during her final year at university led her to a marketing career.
“Communication, psychology and marketing all tied together… it’s a passion for understanding why people do what they do.”
[07.55] Why Jennie moved from PR to digital marketing, her passion for tracking and measuring results, and what she loves about agency life.
[11.46] How Jennie came to understand the importance of logistics, and how it impacts the consumer.
“It’s impactful – this industry makes the world go round. If we’re not optimizing movement or getting just in time shipments, our shelves are empty and our costs are higher.”
[12.40] What marketing looks like for supply chain right now, the importance of personal branding, and the biggest changes happening in supply chain marketing, from video to AI.
“People don’t connect with brands – they connect with people.”
[17.31] Why organizations need to start thinking about marketing as a revenue driver not a cost center, and why it’s crucial to understand your goals and KPIs.
[19.40] Why it’s so important to break down industry siloes to bring all areas of the community together, and how Jennie is keeping those conversations going through FR8MVMT.
[22.34] The new businesses Jennie has in development and how she achieves her version of balance.
“I do the things that light me up!”
[26.49] How Jennie’s experience as a veteran informs her leadership and gave her the confidence to succeed.
“I learned to earn my spot… So, going into my career, I never feared that I was a meek woman that can’t talk – I own it.”
[28.46] The increasing number of Women In Supply Chain™, and how we can bring more women into the industry.
[30.38] What winning an industry trailblazer award means to Jennie.
“It means that I’m doing something meaningful.”
[31.09] The future for Jennie.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Jennie over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in marketing and communications, check out 425: Women In Supply Chain™, Josephine Coombe, 245: Women In Supply Chain™, Marina Mayer or 287: Women In Supply Chain™, Jolene Peixoto.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
