International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across industries while also recognising the steps still needed to drive greater inclusivity. This year, the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day Breakfast in Melbourne, themed ‘From Warehouse to Boardroom’ – Women Driving Supply Chain Success.
Women in Supply Chain & Logistics
The supply chain and logistics industry has made significant strides in gender diversity, with more women stepping into leadership roles and operational positions. A notable example is Qantas, which now has its first female CEO after 100 years, demonstrating how gender is no longer a limitation in leadership discussions.
However, the conversation isn’t over. There’s still work to be done, particularly in increasing female representation in operational roles. Companies are recognising that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just about policy—it’s about culture. The shift towards gender equity is evident, with leading companies like Maersk implementing strategies to ensure at least one woman is included in the top three candidates for senior roles, actively removing bias from the hiring process.
Key Learnings From The Event
SSS team members Jazmyn Wray (Project Manager), Gemma Nelsen-Miles (Facilities Manager – Major Accounts), and Rosanna Delgado (Major Account Design & Project Coordinator) , proudly attended this year’s event. They gained invaluable insights from industry leaders and networking with professionals dedicated to driving diversity in supply chain. The event reinforced the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace and the power of storytelling to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
One of the key takeaways for our team was the reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about knowing your people, understanding their ambitions, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The importance of encouraging new voices, eliminating bias, and taking proactive steps toward inclusivity was a common theme throughout the discussions.
The panel of accomplished industry leaders, including My Therese Blank (Head of Ocean products – Maersk), Tina De Angelis (Category Manager, Qantas Group Procurement), Katharina Zink Attana (General Manager, MCM) and moderator Tabitha West (Founder and Principal, Reimagine Talent, Specialist Supply Chain recruitment agency), shared their experiences and insights on how to drive success in supply chain careers. Here are some standout messages:
- Take control of your career – Don’t wait for opportunities—create them.
- Culture matters – A strong, supportive workplace culture drives long-term success.
- Mentorship is key – If you’re in a position to mentor or influence, take the initiative to support others.
- AI and technology can be intimidating, but curiosity leads to opportunity – Embracing change rather than fearing it will be critical in shaping the future of supply chain.
- Communication skills are just as important as technical skills – No matter how much expertise you have, the ability to communicate your ideas effectively will define your career growth.
Looking Ahead
While there has been tremendous progress in gender equity within supply chain and logistics, there is still more to be done. Companies must continue to prioritize diversity, encourage mentorship, and foster workplace cultures that allow all employees to succeed. The SCLAA International Women’s Day Breakfast was a powerful reminder that the industry is on the right path—and that the future of supply chain is more inclusive than ever.
Safer Storage Systems looks forward to continuing these conversations and taking actionable steps to support women in supply chain. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that from the warehouse to the boardroom, every woman has the opportunity to lead and succeed.
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