Unpacking ISM Las Vegas: A Week of Women in Supply Chain and the Buzz About Generational Shifts

Last week at the ISM conference in Las Vegas was nothing short of enlightening and energizing. Attending the Women's Supply Management Community: Voice of the Emerging Leader seminar was definitely a highlight, packed with discussions that hit close to home for anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of supply chain management.

Mentorship Magic

One of the standout themes from the sessions was mentorship. At SCOPE Recruiting, we often talk about how vital a good mentor can be. It's incredible seeing this echoed at a major industry event. The discussions focused on how seasoned pros in supply chain can help bridge the gap for newcomers, guiding them through the complexities of the field and giving them a leg up in their careers. Here’s an interesting read on Mentorship in Supply Chain Management.

Tackling Challenges and Making Moves in Recruitment

We dove deep into the specific hurdles that women face in supply chain roles—from getting the right opportunities to gaining visibility at the top levels of organizations. The talks also covered innovative recruitment strategies and the need for rebranding to attract a broader, more diverse pool of talent. It’s all about breaking down barriers and making the field welcoming to all. To learn more about how we support your recruiting needs, check out SCOPE Recruiting.

Generational Shifts: Out with the Old, In with the New

A big buzz at the conference was about the looming generational shift. With Baby Boomers heading towards retirement, there's a massive window opening for Millennials and Gen Z to step up. The stats shared were quite striking: in 2019, Millennials and Gen Z made up 47% of the workforce, and by 2025, they are projected to represent 75% of the global workforce. This transition presents both challenges and tremendous opportunities for the industry to adapt and inject fresh perspectives into the world of supply chain management.

Survey Highlights: Bridging Gaps Between Generations

The survey results presented during the seminar were particularly insightful, illustrating the different values and opportunities perceived by emerging leaders compared to their senior counterparts. Emerging leaders, for instance, emphasized the importance of work/life balance, career development, diversity, sustainability initiatives, and technology enablement. Senior leaders, meanwhile, focused on sustainable sourcing, mentorship, leadership growth, and the critical need to embrace AI and technology to stay competitive.

These insights emphasize the evolving priorities within the supply chain sector and underline the importance of aligning leadership development strategies with these changing values.

For more on the importance of bridging generational devices in the workplace take a look at this article from Harvard Business Review.

Overall, the week was packed with inspiring talks and networking with fellow supply chain enthusiasts. It's clear that as we navigate these changes, the role of emerging leaders will be crucial. The future of supply chain looks bright, and I'm thrilled to be part of the journey!