484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt
Saskia Van Gendt is an environmental scientist and the Chief Sustainability Officer at Blue Yonder, with 18 years of experience across government, retail, and manufacturing. Her career began at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before she moved to consumer-facing roles at brands like Rothy's and Method, where she learned to engage consumers directly on sustainability. Van Gendt believes the supply chain is the most critical frontier for sustainability, as it holds the majority of a company's environmental footprint. She advocates for using integrated technology to help customers reduce carbon emissions and waste, and she champions collaboration and mentorship to drive industry-wide progress.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™ I’m joined by industry trailblazer, Saskia Van Gendt.
Saskia is an environmental scientist with 18 years of experience in sustainability working across consumer products, retail, government, and manufacturing. Now serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer at Blue Yonder, Saskia is responsible for developing and executing their sustainability strategy and driving key initiatives across the company.
Today Saskia will be talking all about her career journey; the biggest supply chain sustainability challenges and opportunities right now; her experience as a woman moving through the industry; and what being a trailblazer means to her.
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.
How Saskia discovered a passion for sustainability, and how that passion grew into a career.
How the sustainability landscape has changed since Saskia’s first role at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006.
The biggest sustainability lessons Saskia learned from the consumer market during her time at retail businesses Rothy’s and Method.
Why Saskia embraced supply chain and joined Blue Yonder.
Saskia’s role at Blue Yonder, and the big sustainability initiatives she’s currently working on.
Saskia’s take on the biggest sustainability challenges in supply chain right now.
Key sustainability opportunities, and Saskia’s advice for how organizations can prioritize sustainability and take strategic action for the future.
Saskia’s experience as a woman moving through government, consumer and B2B environments.
The importance of knowledge-sharing and engaging with a range of mentors to career success.
Saskia’s biggest inspiration, and her advice for people exploring a career in sustainability.
What being an industry trailblazer means to Saskia, and the importance of representation for women.
The future for Saskia and her sustainability initiatives at Blue Yonder.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- You can connect with Saskia Van Gendt over on LinkedIn.
- If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more inspirational women talking about sustainability, check out 364: Women In Supply Chain™, Lisa Morales-Hellebo, 372: Women In Supply Chain™, T.J. Kragenbrink or 239: Women In Supply Chain™, Joanna MacDonald.
- Check out our other podcasts HERE.
