In honor of Women's Empowerment Month I was a total Spice Girl freak growing up! Throwing up peace signs and shouting “Girl Power!” long before I fully understood what it meant. What I did get was that great friendships matter, some of the friends I made in elementary, middle, and high school are still in my life today! Lifting up other women isn’t just rewarding, it honestly feels like karma coming back when you need it most. With March being Women’s Empowerment Month, I wanted to celebrate some of the rockstar women I’ve met in logistics. Many who have lifted me up, encouraged me, and inspired me personally and professionally. I’ve never really seen women as “underprivileged” compared to men. I’ve always considered myself one of the guys… though even that phrase feels off. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the unique ways women navigate the world. Raising sons has shown me how differently men and women think, and it’s made me realize just how powerful women are at multitasking, building relationships, and managing complex situations. I’ve always been driven, bold, and unapologetically vocal, and that’s helped me succeed but not every woman shows up that way, which is why I love hearing their stories on Tell Me Everything. Women in logistics & supply chain are carving their own paths while balancing work and life, and it’s endlessly inspiring. And on a fun note—Jennie Malafarina and I are co-hosting a Girls of Logistics 2026 Girls Trip! This isn’t company-sponsored or work-related—it’s all about investing in yourself, meeting amazing women, and making lifelong friendships. Let’s be real, the older we get, the harder it is to find true friends but nothing like a sleepover party to change that! Message Jennie or me to learn more and join the fun. I asked several women to answer 3 questions each. LET'S GOOOO!!! Danielle Spinelli Danielle Spinelli (aka me) if you have not met me yet, I cannot wait to meet you! I’ve spent over a decade in logistics mastering carrier sales, vetting, compliance, and risk prevention, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of the supply chain. As the host of Tell Me Everything, I break down cargo theft, fraud, and compliance in ways that are real, actionable, and easy to understand. I love sharing insights, empowering others, and using my voice to make the industry safer, smarter, and stronger. 1. How has being a woman in logistics shaped the way I lead, communicate, and make decisions in my career? Being a woman in logistics, especially working in the bullpen of a brokerage floor, has taught me to be vocal and confident in my decisions, yelling out options for a load, advocating for why your truck is the best fit, and convincing the team to trust your judgment, which doesn’t just help you close the sale, it trains you to trust yourself and your capabilities in every aspect of life. I’ve learned to speak up, stand my ground, and make bold choices, which has strengthened my leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I can see how the growth I’ve experienced has also influenced my 17-year-old daughter, and I like to think that’s because she’s seen me hustle and believe in myself to make it where I am today. Knowing what her mom can do, I think has inspired her to try new things and realize, I can do that too! 2. How has finding your voice—whether in the office or as a podcast host—helped you gain confidence and inspire others in a male-dominated industry? I still remember the first time Meg Boaz pushed me out on stage and said, “You’re speaking about cargo theft in two minutes, ready?” I was not ready, and looking back, I’m sure it was a little embarrassing. But it was a topic I was passionate about and had studied extensively, and that passion carried me through. The more you practice something, the more confidence you build. Standing on stage as one of the few women educating others about cargo theft has been such a thrill, and it reminded me that trying new things—even when scary or uncomfortable—helps you grow. My advice to others, the more new things you try even if you fail, it helps you builds confidence. In the back of your head you have that voice of, well I tried this that one time and this isn’t as bad as that, so I can do this! That mentality will eventually chip away at your insecurities and help you build your confidence. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison is my theme song because it perfectly captures my energy and mindset. It’s about showing up, owning your space, and proving yourself. Whether on the brokerage floor, on a conference floor or behind the microphone as a podcast host. It’s confident, bold, and unapologetic—just like I strive to be every day. No matter the challenges or setbacks, it reminds me to keep pushing, trust my skills, and make my mark. Plus, there’s a little fun and flair in it, which is essential for enjoying the journey while hustling hard. Meg Boaz Meg Boaz - Meg Boaz is one of those women in logistics who instantly inspires you just by being herself. She’s confident, smart, and a takes no BS is who she is and she has been a personal mentor to me. Truly, If it weren’t for Meg, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She saw little old me, pushed me to be better, and has been my number one cheerleader in both work and life. Beyond that, Meg’s expertise in logistics, carrier relations, and operations makes her a trusted voice in the industry, always guiding others to find their voice and grow into leaders. She doesn’t just build relationships, she builds people, and the industry is better because Meg exists. Truly, she is one in a million. Meg is currently at Sunnybrook as a Director of Business Development. 1. How do women in supply chain manage burnout in a 24/7 industry? One honest truth is that sometimes managing burnout means leaving. If a company glorifies chaos, offers no real support, or treats boundaries like a weakness, no amount of personal resilience is going to fix that long term. We spend nearly half of our waking lives working or thinking about work. I am not willing to be miserable for that much of my time. 2. What's one skill you mastered that changed everything for you? Be a friend to everyone; treat folks the same whether they're a janitor or CEO. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Million Dollar Baby!!!!! $$$$ Kristin Ruder Kristin Ruder - Kristin is one of those people who truly understands the power of relationships in logistics. She has built an impressive career through connection, collaboration, and consistently showing up for others in a genuine way. In her role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Expedite All, she brings strategic thinking, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for helping companies rethink how capacity moves across the supply chain. What stands out most about Kristin is how naturally she balances professionalism with warmth. She leads with confidence while remaining approachable, supportive, and authentic. 1. What advice would you give to a women entering logistics today? Logistics isn’t always easy, especially in today’s market. Rates fluctuate, capacity shifts, margins tighten. It can test you. But my biggest advice is simple: show up every day and give it your full effort. Results don’t always show up immediately, but consistency compounds. If you stay disciplined and professional, momentum builds. I’d also say this, if a role or company isn’t the right fit, that’s okay. You are not a tree, you’re allowed to move, you’re allowed to pivot. Find a place that aligns with your values, your work ethic, and the way you believe business should be done. Networking is huge in this industry. Relationships drive freight. People work with people they trust. It's important to build real connections. Whether it's at conferences, LinkedIn, through carrier partners, or customer partners, build your personal brand and your name equity in the industry. And one thing I live by: never burn a bridge. This industry is smaller than it looks. The person you’re negotiating with today might be your customer, partner, or hiring manager tomorrow. 2. What skill has helped you succeed the most in the industry? Consistency and resiliency. This industry will humble you if you let it. There are tough quarters. Tough conversations. Tough losses. What’s helped me most is showing up the same way every day: professional, prepared, solution-oriented, even when results aren’t where I want them to be. Because the actions we take today create the pipeline for tomorrow’s wins. Momentum doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built in the quiet work no one sees. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Hall of Fame by The Script - To me, it's a song about ambition that meets discipline. Kameel Gaines. Kameel E Gaines - truly a beam of light — someone whose journey makes you stop and say wow. She’s powered through challenges with resilience and determination, becoming one of those women who genuinely inspires everyone around her. Today, she’s the Founder and Chief AI Marketing & Growth Strategist at Atlas AI, CEO of Rig On Wheels, and host of The Rigs on Wheels Show. I highly recommend following her and subscribing to her newsletter — her content is packed with insight, energy, and real value. She’s an absolute rockstar! 🚀 1. What helped you build confidence in your logistics career? Honestly? Doing the work when nobody was clapping. Logistics is not a soft industry. It’s fast, male-dominated, numbers-driven, and unforgiving. Early on, I realized confidence didn’t come from titles. It came from competence. I built confidence by learning the business from the ground up. Recruiting drivers. Having hard conversations. Fixing retention issues. Studying recruitment cycles in each region so I could anticipate hiring gaps before they became emergencies. When you understand seasonality, geography, freight patterns, and driver behavior, you stop reacting and start leading. Every time I solved a real problem for a carrier or helped a driver land in a better situation, that confidence compounded. Competence builds confidence. And consistency protects it. 2. What belief did you have to unlearn to grow? I had to unlearn the belief that I needed permission to lead. For a long time, especially as a woman in trucking, there’s this subtle pressure to soften your voice, wait your turn, or over-prepare before you speak. I had to let go of the idea that I needed to be fully validated before moving. Growth required me to trust my instincts, trust my experience, and walk into rooms as an equal, not as a guest. Once I stopped asking myself, “Do I belong here?” everything shifted. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. That song is resilience in motion. It’s about pressure. Reinvention. Proving to yourself that you can outlast seasons that were designed to break you. Logistics will test you. Entrepreneurship will test you. Building something that carries your name and your family’s legacy will definitely test you. But I’m still here. Still building. Still evolving. That’s the energy. Jamie Cannon Jamie Cannon, CIC - She is one of those girls who is just a girls girl, does that make sense? She is always so cool, calm and collected but also is SO FUN! Jamie is the Senior Vice President at Reliance Partners focusing on freight brokers and 3PL insurance. At Reliance Partners, Jamie helps logistics companies tackle cargo theft, fraudulent COIs, and other supply chain risks with practical, forward-thinking insurance strategies. She’s also the founder and Chief Hype Officer of hYPEhERuP, a platform empowering and educating logistics professionals—especially women—through mentoring, consulting, and industry collaboration. 1. Why does mentorship matter more for women in Supply chain? Mentorship matters for women in supply chain because many of us entered an industry where there were not a lot of women in leadership roles. Having someone who has already navigated the path ahead of you can make a huge difference early in your career. It builds confidence, accelerates learning, and reminds you that you absolutely belong at the table.Mentorship also reinforces something important. We do not have to compete against each other. When one woman succeeds, it is a win for all of us. The more women who support, advocate for, and open doors for each other, the stronger our industry becomes. 2. What changes would you like to see to attract more women into the industry? Visibility and representation are key. There are incredible careers across supply chain, logistics, technology, and insurance that many young women simply do not realize exist.We also need more women in senior leadership, executive, and C suite roles, and those women should be front and center at conferences, panels, and industry events. When women see others leading companies and shaping the industry, it makes success feel more attainable.More women focused networking events, mentorship opportunities, and engagement across the industry would also go a long way in helping women connect, grow, and stay in the field. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé.It is a reminder that confidence, energy, and a little hype go a long way. The industry is changing, and more women are stepping into leadership, shaping conversations, and building incredible careers in supply chain. That is something worth turning the volume up for. Kristy Knichel Kristy Knichel - wow what a powerhouse of a women! But she handles it with such style and grace. She has long advocated for women to have a voice in the industry and has been dedicated to give them platforms in many difference capacities through her career. She has been an inspiration on the motto, women encourage women, by living that herself. Kristy is the CEO and President of Knichel Logistics. By taking over the family business she has set to not only grow a brokerage (which isn't hard enough) but ensure that the business still has that family atmosphere. 1. What does it take to be a president/ceo in Logistics as a woman? It takes vision, resilience, financial discipline, credibility earned through expertise, emotional intelligence and the ability to build great teams. But as a woman in logistics, it also takes a deep level of conviction. You have to be comfortable walking into rooms where you might be the only woman, and still own the space with confidence and competence. Being a woman in this space isn’t a disadvantage. It’s an opportunity to lead differently, with strength and empathy at the same time. 2. You have interviewed lots of women in the industry, what's one myth about women in logistics you'd love to bust? The biggest myth I think is that it’s too hard to have a career in logistics and be a mom raising a family. In fact, I believe it makes you one of the strongest people in logistics when you have the duty of mom. Mom’s tend to prioritize, become efficient, have emotional intelligence and lot’s of resilience. 3. What is your Theme Song? Unstoppable – SIA Annique Lesage Annique Lesage - I’m calling her the realest woman in logistics! Her TikToks are always authentic, fun, and give a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like not just to be a broker, but to run your own brokerage. Through all the ups, downs, and challenges she faces, Annique isn’t afraid to make her voice heard on social media, and her authenticity has earned her a loyal following. Most of the big TikTok logistics stars are men, so it’s incredibly refreshing—and inspiring—to see a woman out there crushing it! Annique is the owner of Small World Ventures for over 13 years now! 1. Being a TikTok influencer, what role does authenticity play in women-led brands? As an influencer on a social media platform, for me it's a responsibility to bring authenticity to the table. My industry is very saturated, and people are trying to use gimmicks and schticks to stand out, when in truth, our clients and followers could select anyone. Why would they choose a gimmick, an act or a shpeal? They need to connect right away with the person in front of them and trust that THIS is the person that will be the authority in their field. Gimmicks run out, and schticks only go so far before people's tolerance runs out or becomes unsustainable, and they demand substance. Authenticity is in consistent supply. 2. What motivates you more: proving people wrong or proving yourself right? In my big age, I've had periods where it's been about proving other people wrong, and I've had periods where I'm only concerned about proving myself right. That's two sides of the same coin, which has always left me short changed. Chasing that validation never satisfied me. Sure, it was a dopamine hit to my competitive nature, but what really matters to me at the end of the day is that my character and work ethic align and I know what my "enough" is. Trying to prove other people wrong gives them too much energy, and proving myself right can cause me to lose focus on what I've already achieved. When you lose the need to "prove" something, you can actually enjoy the fruits of your effort and growth fully without chasing the next hit! 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Tie between Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine or Bjork - Army of Me Ava Barnes Ava Barnes - From the moment I met Ava, I was impressed by how she thinks outside the box and just keeps it real. Ava is the Head of Marketing at Octup, where she’s helping shape the brand and growth strategy for an AI-powered platform built for 3PLs. In an industry that can sometimes take itself a little too seriously, Ava brings creativity, honesty, and a fresh perspective that makes people stop and pay attention. She has a natural talent for telling the story of logistics in a way that actually connects with people, and she’s not afraid to challenge the norm or bring new ideas to the table. Women like Ava are pushing the industry forward, and it’s been really fun to watch the impact she continues to make. 1. What unique strengths do women bring to marketing leadership? Women tend to be strong pattern readers. We notice emotional signals, social dynamics, and customer behavior others miss. Great marketing is really about understanding humans. 2. How can brands better market to women without stereotyping? Don’t couch messaging in feminine tropes like parenting, or the “underdog” story. Respect their leadership and speak to them like real business leaders solving serious problems. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Titanium – David Guetta ft. Sia Danielle Chaffin Danielle Chaffin - Danielle is one of those women in transportation who isn’t afraid to speak up and challenge the status quo. As a third-generation member of the trucking industry, she brings a deep understanding of the business and a real passion for protecting the integrity of American trucking. What stands out most about her is how unapologetically real she is, she’s not here for fluff. She’s constantly digging into issues affecting the industry, from fraud to safety, and using her voice to push for better standards and accountability. Danielle is a Senior Solutions Engineer at Revenova and is a big voice in the industry! 1. What does success in supply chain really look like for women today? In an industry that’s built on trust and relationships, I don’t think success has anything to do with climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, I think success comes in many forms and cannot be confined to a single accomplishment or definition. There’s no number or job title that will give us everlasting satisfaction. As a working mom, success in this industry means stewarding my talents well and having time to be with my two boys. This industry is massive, and it’s filled with incredible men and women. There’s space for everyone to find their own moments of success. Our successes might not look the same, and we shouldn’t compare them. In the end, if we can look back at our careers and say we left this industry better than we found it, that is true success. 2. If you could go back and give your younger self on career tip, what would it be? Trust your instincts earlier. When you grow up around trucking, you develop a gut sense for how the industry works. Then, you enter the freight world as a professional. There’s so much pressure to defer to the loudest voice in the room or the person with the biggest title. I would tell my younger self to keep asking questions and never assume that authority equals expertise. Some of the biggest problems in this industry exist because people have stopped questioning systems that clearly make no sense. Also, build your own brand. Do the things you love, even if they don’t start out as revenue-generating activities. Your voice becomes stronger the moment you start creating instead of waiting for permission. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Golden Heart by Mark Knopfler Melanie Crane Melanie Crane - Maybe it’s the Florida sun rubbing off on her, but Mel truly is a beam of sunshine wherever she goes. She has an incredible ability to connect with people and never meets a stranger, bringing warmth and energy into every room. What’s even more remarkable is how she makes hard work fun. No matter the challenge, she approaches it with positivity, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude. Always eager to learn and improve her craft, Mel dives headfirst into opportunities to grow and take on new challenges. As a Sales Representative at Carrier Assure, she combines talent, dedication, and charisma in a way that makes it clear she’s destined for great things. Anyone who works with her quickly sees that she’s not just building a career, she’s leaving a lasting impact on everyone she meets. 1. What does "Girl Power" mean to you? Girl Power is about confidence and lifting other women up. It’s knowing you belong in the room, speaking up when you have something valuable to add, and helping other women succeed along the way. 2. What's your favorite " I solved that" or " I did that" moment at work? One of my proudest moments was when I was working at a brokerage and managed an account that ended up doing over $500K in sales in a single month. It took a lot of quick problem-solving, building strong relationships with carriers and the customer, and working major overtime. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? My theme song would be Humble by Kendrick Lamar 😎 Jennie Malafarina Jennie Malafarina - The queen of bringing people together! When you meet Jennie, she instantly makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years. She’s a true advocate for women through her WILMA group, where she creates a space for women in marketing to connect, collaborate, and share ideas, even when they may technically be competitors. Jennie leads with kindness, generosity, and an authentic desire to see others win. She’s constantly encouraging people, making introductions, and helping others grow both personally and professionally. Her positivity is contagious, and her ability to foster genuine relationships is something truly special. She is a rare gem, uplifting, caring, and endlessly supportive, the kind of person who doesn’t just build networks but builds real friendships that make our industry stronger. 1. What does "Girl Power" look like in marketing today? Girl power looks like connections, making introductions, sharing information, and talking each other up! 2. What's your go-to confidence boost before a big meeting? My confidence boost before a big meeting comes from being prepared, doing all my homework, having the information I need, and feeling confident in it; right before the meeting, I give myself a pep talk. Language is vital. If you think you can, you can; if you think you can't, then you won't. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? If you think you can, you can; if you think you can't, then you won't. Off the top of my head, the first thing that came to mind is Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" This song is just self empowering in the sense that you can do better and you can do it on your own if things aren't going your way! Jennifer Morris Jennifer Morris - She lives a lifestyle many of us secretly dream about. A true modern-day nomad, Jennifer travels the world while documenting her journey through thoughtful, engaging content that feels authentic and real. She has built a following simply by being herself. Curious, genuine, and refreshingly honest as she blends adventure, career growth, and personal reflection in a way that truly resonates. Through her blog Ship Happens, she highlights the people behind the supply chain, especially with her Gorgeous Girls in Supply Chain series, where she celebrates and uplifts women making an impact in the industry. Jennifer’s authenticity, creativity, and positive energy make her incredibly inspiring and a reminder that success can be adventurous, meaningful, and uniquely your own. 1. You have interviewed many women in the industry. How do you think women could do a better job of supporting and encouraging each other? I do think it’s better than it used to be, but work remains. One thing I’ve noticed is that sometimes women feel pressure to defend men’s behaviour instead of holding it accountable. When a man says or does something inappropriate, it’s surprisingly common for another woman to step in and soften it, explain it away, or protect him. There’s a lot to unpack psychologically there, but at a surface level, it doesn’t move us forward. The best advice I can give to women who don’t feel comfortable speaking up is this: surround yourself with women who do. Confidence is contagious. When you see other women calmly and clearly call out garbage behaviour without apologizing for it, it makes it easier to do the same. Support doesn’t always mean being loud, sometimes it just means backing the woman who is. 2. What’s a risk you took that completely paid off? Betting on myself, and betting on other women. When I started the Gorgeous Girls series, I received messages from men who had very big feelings (negative) about it. At first, I questioned whether I was alienating part of a potential audience. And the truth is, I probably was. But as the platform grew and more women reached out to say how meaningful it was to see other women featured consistently in this industry, it confirmed I made the right call. Representation isn’t about exclusion, it’s about balance. Another big risk was becoming a digital nomad. It wasn’t the safe or conventional choice, but it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve genuinely never been happier, and that clarity shows up in my work. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Gimme by Banks or Lioness by Swedish House Mafia Pamela Polyak Pamela Polyak - Pamela Polyak is one of those people who instantly makes you admire her drive, heart, and authenticity. A third-generation trucking owner, she didn’t just step into a legacy. She built her own path, growing Polyak Trucking & Logistics with vision, grit, and integrity. With over two decades in the industry, she’s become a trusted voice, helping fleets navigate challenges, sharing her expertise through consulting, and mentoring the next generation of logistics leaders. What makes Pam truly special is how she lifts others up along the way—whether through guidance, encouragement, or simply leading by example. She’s a reminder that real leadership is about strength, heart, and empowering those around you to succeed. 1. How can women advocate for themselves in performance and compensation conversations? Advocacy does not need to equal loud. Advocacy is about being prepared. Know your numbers, the revenue you influenced, the retention you improved, the problems you solved. Documenting wins, not just at review time, is important. It also combat feelings with facts. It will shift the conversation away from opinion and focus on performance. 2. What failure taught you the most about success? Early in my career, I worked 7 days week. I was always at the office. I was self-taught in several aspects including the ever-valuable accounting piece of owning a business. I spent months, several different times over my career, adjusting the financial part of the business with the newest and best technology that trucking had to offer. What I learned the hard way, is that every bookkeeper, every inhouse accountant does things differently. They can easily show you a bank reconciliation but that doesn’t mean it is accurate. What I realized is that sustainable success isn’t about my effort alone; it’s about the process, the structure, the people, and the expectations. I needed to require more than just my month end financials to make the best decisions for the business. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Confidence” by Sanctus Real Blythe Milligan Blythe Milligan - If you’ve spent any time in logistics media or marketing conversations, chances are you’ve felt Blythe’s impact whether you realized it or not. From working inside logistics to building Digital Dispatch and hosting Everything is Logistics, she has created a space where education, marketing, technology, and freight all come together in a way that actually makes sense. Blythe has this incredible ability to take complicated logistics topics and make them approachable, fun, and engaging while helping companies understand why storytelling and branding matter just as much as operations. She consistently uses her platform to educate, connect people, and lift others up in the industry, and you can tell she genuinely wants to see supply chain evolve and grow. She’s a builder, a storyteller, and someone who has helped make logistics feel a lot more human. 1. What opportunities do you see for women in supply chain over the next five years? Operations. That’s the needle-mover over the next five years. And ops is about to split into two tracks: people and agents.On the people side, the opportunity is leading the messy middle -- running cross-functional teams, fixing handoffs, and making decisions with imperfect data. That's the unsexy work that actually protects service and margins.On the agent side, the winners will treat AI like ops labor, not a science project. Automate the friction tasks (quoting, scheduling, exception triage, onboarding, invoice matching, etc...), but keep humans in charge of the workflow and accountability. One caution: burnout. If AI removes the “mundane” work, humans can get left with nothing but high-stakes exceptions all day, which burns people out faster. Also, automation doesn’t run itself. It still takes a team to monitor, maintain, and fix it when something breaks. 2. Do you measure success by impact, income, balance or something else? Options. I measure success by options.Impact matters because I’m allergic to content that’s just noise. If people can’t use what I’m putting out, I’m not interested.Income matters because I’m a business owner and I like being independent. Money removes friction and buys freedom. My work/life balance is seasonal. I’m not trying to “have it all” every week. I’m trying to build in some seasons and breathe in others. If I’m choosing the season, I’m winning. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? T.I.’s Big Things Poppin’ I remember playing this song while working on the floor of my first house because I couldn't afford a desk. I still listen to it to this day (on the second desk I purchased) as the ultimate motivator of why I feel a deep sense of obligation to ensure my family is taken care of. It gives major first-born daughter/Capricorn energy and that's exactly who I am. Can't imagine a day that I wouldn't feel motivated by this song and the desire to build something real for the people I love and the lifestyle I want to have. Mia Mazal 🔔Mia Mazal - Mia Mazal is truly one of those people who makes the supply chain industry feel a little smaller in the best way. She’s not only incredibly driven and knowledgeable in logistics, but she’s also the kind of person who is constantly cheering others on along the way. Mia has a natural ability to lift people up, especially other women in the industry, and she genuinely celebrates the wins of those around her. She’s built a reputation for being supportive, encouraging, and always willing to connect people or share advice if it helps someone grow. It’s rare to find someone who is both ambitious and so focused on building others up, but that’s exactly what makes Mia so special. Her positivity, kindness, and belief in the power of community make her someone people naturally gravitate toward, and the industry is lucky to have her. 1. How do successful women in logistics handle high-pressure negotiations? With poise and professionalism. Women are often great at balancing kindness with clarity. We know how to explain things well, communicate effectively, and keep conversations constructive. At the same time, we know our value and what we bring to the table. It’s about speaking with confidence without coming across as rude or egotistical. 2. How do you handle self-doubt in high-stakes moments? I lean on my circle. When I start doubting myself, I go to the people who see the best in me and remind me of that. Also… a little bit of “fake it till you make it.” We tend to be our own toughest critics, and most of the flaws we see in ourselves aren’t visible to others. Instead of focusing on the worst-case scenario, I try to think about the best possible outcome. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Walk It Talk It by Migos. A lot of people talk a big game, but when it’s time to deliver, the follow-through isn’t always there. I try to be the same person on and off camera. What I say is what I do. Jessica Renner Jessica Renner, CCP - Jessica has truly mastered her role as Manager of Cargo Claims & Risk at Jarrett, bringing expertise, diligence, and leadership to everything she does. Beyond her day-to-day work, she is actively involved in Women in Logistics, Women in Trucking, the TIA Fraud Task Force, and the Transportation Legal Council. You might be thinking, like I do, how does she do it all? Jessica is not only incredibly hardworking but also genuinely kind and approachable. She is a passionate advocate for education in the supply chain, working tirelessly to make the industry safer and stronger. A leading voice for women in cargo theft prevention, she inspires and encourages everyone she meets, making a lasting impact on both her peers and the broader logistics community. 1. How do successful women in logistics earn credibility in dominated rooms? Credibility in logistics is isn't given, it's demonstrated and earned. Transportation rooms can still feel heavily male, however freight doesn't care who you are -- it responds to knowledge, preparation and consistency. Successful women earn credibility by knowing their data, understanding operations beyond their job description and being able to speak the language of the industry fluently. For me, credibility has come from becoming an subject matter expert in my niche: cargo claims, theft trends, risk exposure, and mitigation strategies. When you can articulate loss ratios, explain how organized cargo theft is evolving, and connect operational risk to financial impact, people will listen. 2. What's the most unexpected lesson this industry has taught you? That relationships are huge in the supply chain. We help move freight, manage risk, negotiate contracts, and chase recoveries in the case of loss -- but at the core of it all is trust. The most unexpected lesson for me has been -- the tough conversations are where respect and trust are built. Handling claims and major losses has taught me that transparency, accountability, and calm leadership during chaos define your reputation far more than smooth operations ever will. And in this industry, things will go sideways and I strive being there to help. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Run the World - Beyonce. From safety and compliance to risk management, operations, technology, and executive leadership, women are not just participating. We are influencing. This industry may still be male - heavy, but women are absolutely helping shape it. If you have ever walked into a room where you felt underestimated and left as a subject matter expert, you know exactly why this song fits. Marina Mayer Marina Mayer - Marina Mayer is one of those women in supply chain who has helped give the entire industry a voice. As the Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, she’s spent years telling the stories that matter across trucking, warehousing, technology, and everything in between. But what really stands out about Marina is how passionate she is about lifting other women up in this space. She’s the co-founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum and has helped shine a spotlight on hundreds of incredible female leaders through industry awards, conferences, and editorial platforms. Marina isn’t just reporting on the supply chain—she’s helping shape the community around it. Her ability to connect people, celebrate women doing amazing work, and tell the real stories behind this industry is what makes her such a powerful voice in logistics. Women like Marina are making sure the next generation of leaders sees exactly what’s possible. 1. What does mentorship matter more for women in supply chain? Mentorship matters more for women in supply chain because up until probably the past 5 years or so, there haven't been a lot of females in the industry to look up to or lean on. Mentorship is key because in order to promote the supply chain space with young female professionals, we need to have female leaders in place that act as a role model or an example of how to succeed in this industry. 2. What boundaries do successful women set that others don't to achieve a work - life balance? I think it's just that. Successful women set boundaries. You have to. Although more of today's dads/men take on some of the household/parental duties than ever before, women still carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Setting those boundaries protects you as a leader. It could be not scheduling meetings during certain times of the day because of school dropoff or pickup. It could be something as simple as just saying no to something. I personally have had to decline conferences or commitments because they conflicted with something going on in my home life. I don't regret any of it. The work-life balance is tricky, but the boundaries are super important. 3. If you had a theme song, what would it be? If I were to have a walkout song, it would be Blackstreet's No Diggity. It has zero meaning to anything. It just has a great beat. Otherwise it would be Taylor Swift's Shake it Off. Being an advocate for women in supply chain has presented a lot of positive feedback, but there are those naysayers as well who love to voice their opinion. Also being a leader, unfortunately you have to make unfortunate decisions. Shaking it off is the best way to move forward. Thank you to all the amazing women who participated! This has been so fun to hear your answers, and these theme songs are absolutely SPOT ON! I cannot encourage other women in logistics and supply chain enough to get involved in groups, attend networking events, and find those friends in the industry because these women get it! Work-life balance can be tough in our world, and having a space to share, vent, and support each other makes all the difference. Keep showing up for each other and remember, you’re stronger together! GIRL POWER!!!