End of term as President of SAPICS

Yesterday, I stepped down as President of SAPICS after an eight-year tenure on the board, coinciding with my end of term. I have been greatly honoured and humbled to serve the Supply Chain profession at this level. There are many sweet and notable victories I can cite and celebrate, and for that I’m immensely grateful. The journey was by no means an easy ride. There is still much to be done, especially in the professionalisation of procurement professionals in our public sector. I remain hopeful that as I have handed over the baton to the incoming president, the board will continue on the mission of striving to build a vital community of proficient supply chain professionals in Africa.

Although I will not be influencing the direction of the profession on the board, I most certainly will continue to use my knowledge and influence for the furtherance of the profession at every opportunity that is at my disposal. I recently had the pleasure of meeting and engaging with the Young Supply Chain Professionals through a webinar coffee chat. The theme being “It’s not always about what you know, sometimes who you know makes all the difference,” I looked back over the length of my career and was privilege to be in a position to impart my hard-earned industry wisdom to them.

Coming from an industrial engineering trade, early on in my career I soon realised that supply chain needed mixed skills I didn’t then possess. I’ve done most of the roles in supply chain coming up and learned that you have to be willing to do anything and everything because when you are content and know the process in and out, you have an authoritative voice, and no one can ever take that away from you.

With regards to mentorship, my first three mentors were basically my direct line managers. I had mentors that took a militant style of mentorship with me. I’m now grateful for that today because it’s what built the thick skin. That thick skin is what propelled me to greater heights in my career.

My advice to young professionals is to be patient with themselves while they acquire functional knowledge that will develop their proficiency. And to the female professional specifically, I would like to warm them not to fall into that female entitlement trap. It is a trap. No one owes you anything. Develop yourself as the best professional you can be. Do not develop yourself as a female professional. Cement yourself and be authoritative. The ladder to the top is a long and arduous climb, just make sure it is leaning against the right wall.

My tenure is over but my continued service to the profession is only beginning.