CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 50
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
I Advocate for
Prioritising Tasks
Effectively and Self-care
for Balance
RASHMI IYER
Head– Distribution, Merck Life Science
From Chemistry to
Supply Chain
Logistics and Warehousing, once
male-dominated, now attracts
more women due to its dynamic
nature. With a background in
Chemistry and Quality Assurance, I transitioned from the
Quality department of an FMCG
company to Production, later
pursuing a Post-Graduation in
Supply Chain Management. My
career spans various sectors
including FMCG, Pharma, and
Life Science Chemicals, where
I've worked in Manufacturing,
Warehousing, Logistics, and
Transportation. Operations drew
me in with its mix of KPIs and
intriguing projects, such as the
distribution network optimisation
project at Merck. This project
involved transforming legacy
sites into state-of-the-art facilities
while ensuring seamless business
continuity. People management,
especially on the shop 昀氀oor, is
another aspect I enjoy, as it allows
me to understand processes and
build strong relationships with
team members.
Cultivating an Inclusive
Culture
My leadership style is Purposeful & Inclusive. As a Purposeful
leader, I prioritise self-awareness,
ethics, and empowering vision
for my team, aiding in better
decision-making. I foster psychological safety, ensuring all
feel comfortable sharing ideas.
As an Inclusive leader, I cultivate
a culture emphasising listening,
empathy, and collaboration. I
value authentic leadership,
50 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
maintaining transparency and
building trust through honesty.
Admitting weaknesses fosters
respect. I encourage ethical
practices and open communication, enhancing productivity.
I advocate for prioritising tasks
effectively and self-care for
balance.
Drawing Strength from
Family
Balancing work and family is
a common challenge for professional women. Prioritising
between personal and work life,
especially during con昀氀icts, can
be tough. I recall missing some
of my son's school events due
to travel, experiencing "mom
guilt" like many others, but I
reassured myself that I was setting an example of inclusivity and
acceptance. My mother has been a
strong support throughout, often
caring for my son in my absence.
Breaking Barriers
Facing challenges is inevitable
in life. In a previous logistics
role, I traveled nationwide for
audits, often to remote areas, as
the sole woman in the department. Despite family concerns
and personal doubts, I persisted,
reminding myself that short-term
struggles lead to long-term success. This experience taught me
perseverance, adaptability, and
fostered self-confidence and a
growth mindset.
Building Trust
Leadership traits I admire
include humility, authenticity,
and respect, fostering loyalty
and trust. E昀昀ective communication, integrity, and courage
Choose organisations that foster your growth
and establish a strong support network of
family, peers, and mentors. Don't hesitate to
voice your opinions or ask for what you need.
Support each other and prioritise self-care
through exercise, meditation, and pursuing hobbies. Men can play pivotal roles in
empowering women in various spheres of life,
whether as daughters, wives, sisters, or colleagues. Let's collectively inspire and nurture
more women for leadership roles.
drive positive actions. Indra
Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo,
embodies visionary leadership, prioritising societal and
environmental responsibility
for sustainable growth. Her
empathy and commitment to
inclusivity built trust. Her book,
"My Life in Full," chronicles her
journey and advocates the 5 Cs of
leadership: Competency, Courage,
Confidence, Communication,
Curiosity, and Compassion.
Leading by Example
The Covid pandemic profoundly
shaped my leadership journey. My
team and I worked tirelessly to
reassure workers and implement
safety protocols, including daily
transportation and hotel stays for
some, to ensure uninterrupted
operations. Leading by example,
I remained on-site throughout
the pandemic, ensuring our
commitment to the organisation, customers, and society.
This experience taught me the
importance of leadership in
instilling trust, empathy, and
resilience during crises.
Facing Fears
My father, a retired pharmaceutical industry veteran emphasised
believing in myself, facing fears
head-on, practicing patience, and
mindfulness.
