CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 45
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Taking More
Chances Gradually
Builds Confidence
JULIA HODGE
Vice President– Supply Chain Management,
Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority
Expertise Leveraged
With over a decade in public
accounting and management
consulting, primarily for Fortune
500 clients in finance, nearly
15 years ago, I joined and transitioned to leadership roles at
the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority. As VP for the
O昀케ce of Supply Chain Management, I oversee procurement for
Reagan National and Washington
Dulles International Airports,
leveraging my experience in
finance, strategy, and risk
management to shape policy
and provide strong contractual
support.
Encouraging Team
Excellence
I’m dedicated to serving our
clients and the community with
excellence. I drive continuous
improvement and encourage
my team to exceed expectations
while maintaining a positive and
enjoyable work environment.
Achieving Balance
Early in my career, I prioritised
work, dedicating long hours
and extensive travel. While
these experiences o昀昀ered valuable professional growth, I felt
disconnected from my personal
values. My husband supported me
in achieving a healthier work-life
balance perspective.
Strategies for Success
In male-dominated fields like
昀椀nancial services and aviation,
speaking up as a minority can
be challenging. However, I’ve
found success by actively listen-
ing and understanding others’
perspectives before contributing
or proposing solutions. While
women excel in problem-solving,
they may hesitate to voice ideas
due to risk aversion, especially
in group settings. Taking more
chances gradually builds confidence. Additionally, having
support from colleagues and
bosses, both male and female,
is invaluable.
Valued Leadership
Qualities
I value leaders who exhibit fairness, empathy, and decisiveness.
Clear communication of expectations and accountability for
both performance and behavior
bene昀椀ts everyone.
The Dynamic Nature of a
Supply Chain Job
The best part of my job is its
variety; each day brings new
experiences. I also learned valuable lessons from a di昀케cult 昀椀rst
boss early in my career.
Valuing Opinion
Don’t apologise for having an
opinion. Just express it respectfully.
Leadership Approach
I usually don’t have regrets,
but I could have showcased my
team’s accomplishments more.
I tend to let our work speak for
itself and prioritise continuous
improvement. If I could change
something, I would pause to
celebrate successes and live in
the moment more often.
Desired Superpower
In昀椀nite energy.
In society, confidence, assertiveness, and
competence are often praised in male leaders
but viewed differently in females. Women
leaders face pressure to balance competence
with approachability, decisiveness with collaboration, and inspiration with emotional
restraint. Research reveals that women
are often labeled as either bossy or inept.
Greater awareness of these stereotypes and
active management of biases are essential.
Remember to give yourself grace; you can’t
please everyone, but staying true to yourself
is key to achieving your full potential.
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