It’s no secret that supply chain is still a middle-aged caucasian male-dominated field, and while more and more individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are joining the supply chain industry, the percentage of those who filter into leadership positions is very poor. This episode features the conversation Maria Villablanca had with DI&E advocates Sheri Hinish, Radu Palamariu, and Lebogang Letsoalo as part of the first edition of the Merlot with Maria session featured at our Transform Fest event. The topic they address is why it’s time to cut the cycle and create well-represented teams. Taking a deep dive into what’s standing in the way of greater representation in supply chain, Villablanca, Hinish, Palamariu, and Letsoalo discuss why it’s imperative the supply chain leaders of today take bold action to create greater opportunities and to celebrate diversity.
 
About the speakers
Sheri Hinish
To colleagues and clients, Sheri Hinish is known as the “Supply Chain Queen.” Her purpose is simply to make a meaningful impact on the clients, colleagues, partners, and communities she serves. In her current role, she is IBM's Global Practice Leader for Sustainable Supply Chain, Circularity and Social Impact. 
 
Radu Palamariu 
Radu Palamariu is the CEO of Alcott Global and the Global Head of Supply Chain & Logistics Practice working on C-level and top management executive search assignments with leading Fortune 500 companies and local Asia conglomerates for manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chain management, and e-commerce. 
 
Lebogang Letsoalo 
Lebogang Letsoalo is a supply chain coach, thought leader and currently a Chief Executive of Sincpoint, an organization focusing on sustainable supply chain advisory, logistics, and capacity development solutions. Lebo has over 21 years of experience in supply chain having held various executive portfolios within the energy, chemicals, transport, and mining industries.