Manoela Peixoto Talks Sustainability and Leading with Empathy

Women In Supply Chain™ leadership are transforming the industry when it’s needed most during endless disruptions that have only grown over the last year. Traditional approaches don’t apply anymore, and that means that fresh perspectives and diversity in thought from leaders with different backgrounds with unique life experiences are increasingly important.

More and more consumers are paying attention to where their purchases originate—and it’s changing the way companies do business. With social media, constant headlines online, and blogs and podcasts dedicated to the topic,  consumers know more about the supply chain journeys behind their favorite brands than ever before. And, they’re asking tougher questions: How were these materials sourced? What’s the carbon footprint of getting it to my doorstep? Were the workers who made it treated fairly? Ongoing climate events and increasing exposure to labor conditions across the globe are creating a drumbeat of dialogues online and off about ethical production, sustainability, and finding brands aligned with consumer values.

Generational change and a growing focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility are motivating consumers to find more sustainably and ethically produced and sourced goods. Even as cost-of-living pressures grow across nations, some shoppers are still willing to spend almost 10% more on average for sustainably produced or sourced goods. A contributing factor? Almost nine in ten consumers report experiencing climate-change disruptions in their daily lives.

 Shoppers want proof that their purchases are made responsibly. In response, companies are mapping out their supply chains, investing in greener logistics, and publishing detailed sustainability reports to show progress. Labels like “carbon neutral” or “ethically sourced” are now signals of trust as more people shop with greater intention. Sustainable supply chains are quickly becoming the new standard, turning conscious consumption from a trend into a movement.

Many companies are working to respond, but are still figuring out how to turn big promises into real progress. Most major brands have some kind of ESG or sustainability program in place, but putting those goals into action is the toughest part. It takes time, money, and meaningful progress. Still, companies are pushing forward—testing new green technologies, switching to renewable energy, and working with suppliers to make their operations more transparent. Business leaders see that corporate social responsibility is no longer just about doing the right thing—it’s about staying relevant, resilient, and trusted in a market with more engaged and educated consumers.

At Let’s Talk Supply Chain, our Women In Supply Chain™ series is more than a call to action; it’s a movement. There’s a growing presence of Women In Supply Chain™ who see and approach things differently, with new approaches and solutions. Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain™ program, blog, and podcast series showcase the importance of greater gender representation. This month’s featured leader knows all about the importance of allyship in lifting women’s voices and the importance of corporate social responsibility programs and true solutions for companies looking to limit their carbon footprint.

This month, we are honored to highlight Manoela Peixoto, the Corporate Sustainability Manager for Apex Logistics International. She has over 15 years of experience in navigating the complexities of supply chain operations, pricing strategies, and now, environmental impact. Manoela boasts a master’s degree from the Universitat de Barcelona and a certificate in project management from the University of Washington. She is driven by connecting with people, understanding the complexity of global operations, and building solutions that make logistics more sustainable.