“Working in my team, I quickly realized my gender doesn’t make a difference.”

You’re a mathematician by training – how did you discover your interest in supply chain management?
Before I started my career, I had no contact with supply chain, but I remember an example from a math lecture that focused on network optimization for public transportation in Berlin, Germany. Even back then, I found it really interesting. I like that supply chain always has these smaller tasks you need to solve, and they affect other processes. That way of thinking made a lot of sense to me as a mathematician.

What tips would you give other young women planning a career in supply chain management?
My most important tip is just trust you can do something, voice your ideas and ask questions. We women are just as smart as men, we’re just more reserved sometimes. Working in my team, I quickly realized my gender doesn’t make a difference. That’s why it’s important to demonstrate your own potential. I’d also advise younger colleagues to build up a network. You don’t have to know everything, you just have to know who at the company knows what. So make those connections as soon as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.