Women in Supply Chain: Challenges and Self Advocacy | The Automation Journey

Описание: In this episode, host Rebecca Call (Head of Process Software Consulting & Systems Integration) sits down with Alessandra Caminati (Head of Solutions Design) and Meagan Gauthier (Business Development Manager) for a candid conversation about women in supply chain—earning respect, challenging stereotypes, finding allies, and building the confidence to self-advocate.

From early career stories and on-site leadership moments to practical advice on negotiation, mentorship, and representation, this discussion is packed with honest insights and actionable takeaways for anyone growing their career in supply chain!

Chapters
00:24 – Welcome & intros: what this conversation is about
01:10 – Alessandra’s journey: engineering → leadership, mentoring the next generation
02:32 – Meagan’s path: engineering → sales, leadership & empowerment
03:56 – Rebecca’s background: growing up around automation, software & operations
05:12 – Proud moments: mentoring teams to simplifying complex automation
06:11 – Challenges women face: assumptions in meetings & being “the note-taker”
07:17 – Finding your voice: from overlooked to assertive (without apology)
08:40 – Passion vs. “too emotional”: reframing confidence and delivery
09:42 – Early-career pushback: handling disrespect and setting boundaries
11:11 – “Good-old-boys” rooms: working harder to earn a seat at the table
12:00 – Preparation as a strategy for credibility
12:37 – Stereotypes in technical roles: proving expertise on site
13:37 – Staying calm under pressure & leading cross-functional fixes
15:37 – “Math isn’t for women?”—debunking outdated assumptions
17:02 – Extra headwinds as women of color
19:09 – Representation matters: visibility at conferences and in leadership
21:04 – Industry moments that show the gap (and progress)
22:16 – Inspiring the next generation: outreach and role models
22:41 – Self-advocacy: how to be heard and acknowledged
23:14 – Building confidence: authenticity, affirmations & growth
26:19 – Practical tips: track wins, ask for more, negotiate higher
28:36 – Apply before you’re 100% “ready”
29:07 – Encouragement and allies that open doors
30:26 – Why we love this industry: the beauty of systems that just work
31:28 – Channeling passion productively
31:39 – Mentors & allies (including men) who make rooms better
33:13 – Stopping the meeting to include missing perspectives
34:24 – Better decisions come from diverse voices
34:39 – The transition: more women in the field (and why it matters)
35:05 – Paying it forward: supporting each other
35:21 – Closing thoughts & thanks
35:22 – How to connect and keep the conversation going