Get to Know IAC Group’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Kelly Bysouth

IAC Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Kelly Bysouth worked her way up in the automotive industry - starting at Ford Motor Company and later spending nearly two decades with Johnson Controls before joining IAC Group. Early in her career, Bysouth oftentimes found herself as the only woman in a room of men, something she was never intimidated or discouraged by. Now she’s happy to see a more balanced group of qualified individuals making decisions - but she’s especially encouraged by women joining fields that are traditionally male dominated – like supply chain management and engineering.

A mother of a teenager and a pre-teen, Bysouth feels the best leaders are those that demonstrate living a balanced life – so that the men and women who report up to you feel equally as empowered to contribute both professionally in the workforce but also personally in their own lives outside of the office. 

“I think the best thing we as leaders can give our employees is living out an example of a balanced life,” said Bysouth. “When I look at my own kids, I want my son and daughter to see that their mom is taking care of business and taking care of life. They see that I can walk away from work to go to their swim meet or vice versa and not feel bad about it either way. I think that’s the same type of vibe you can give to employees - it's necessary to have a life outside of the office - you just need to find that balance.” 

Bysouth attributed her work ethic to the expectations and examples her parents set for her early on in her childhood. Bysouth said she likes to spend time upfront setting expectations with her teams, getting everyone aligned and then allowing those teams to operate and find success independently. Regular checkpoints ensure accountability amongst those teams, but enable freedom to creatively manage and solve problems without constant interference or approvals that create bottlenecks in the process.

“If you set those expectations early and often and are willing to step in and get your hands dirty when necessary, then it’s easier to trust your team, and I think it's necessary to trust your team.”

What is your favorite book and why? 

My favorite book is Option B by Sheryl Sandberg.  I love it because it highlights the fact that we are all human and we all have incredible challenges to overcome at some point in our lives.  How you deal with those challenges makes you the person that you are.  It embodies one of my favorite mantras “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” 

What's your favorite comfort activity?  

Yoga

What currently excites you about IAC?  

The continued transformation and growth potential.  Also, the amazing people that are our foundation.