Supply Chain Executive Residence Takeaways

Taking Dr. Williams’ Executive Residency supply chain class was an enlightening experience with testimony from industry leaders about their experiences and stories that built the character distilled in becoming an industry executive. Below I have highlighted key takeaways as to what each leader taught me and how I can apply their philosophies to my life.

Shelly Simpson

Shelly talked about what to look for in a company: look how long the leadership has been at the firm, think bigger than the money in what the firm has to offer, and that work shouldn’t come first. I enjoy having hobbies and have figured out that life is as important as work.

“Take a chance to do more in your job”

Julie Reilman

Julie emphasizes being the role model - living the growth behavior and act a growth mindset, building an environment of trust and safety, seek the right outcome, not a comfortable one. Setting the agenda is critical for Julie - dream big and establish a compelling vision, bring the outside in, and shamelessly borrow and reapply, disagree, and commit. Julie has helped people be their best selves by building and developing talent and serving as a coach and a connector I have seen the benefits of planning life out ahead. Specifically, planning out my day the night before.

Dean Morrison

Dean suggests seeking mentorship from an early age. Dean also emphasizes don’t worry about people’s status in the world – it will only make you unhappy. Enjoying the journey will give life meaning – don’t get to the top of a mountain and not have another to climb. The struggle is what brings life enjoyment. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors, I’m excited about who I will get to learn from in the future.

Lindsay Goodman

Lindsay articulates that we can’t lead everyone like ourselves – we must respect different values. Having a strong EQ will carry weight as a leader and a friend. Be specific and courteous when seeking a mentor with time and content – follow the advice given. I have found that emotional intelligence will let you navigate difficult situations and holster relationship growth.

Matt Connolly

Matt made it clear to take calculated risks for growth – build the mindset through struggle and diving into uncomfortable situations. Matt has climbed through his career in part by taking the assignments no one wants and leveraging his value. Optimism is a force multiplier for learning and growth and has helped him create relationships. I try my best to always have a smile on my face and know that every day is a great day. Optimism has carried volumes throughout my life so far.

Diana Brown

Diana leads with Integrity, Compassion, and Grit = the biggest character traits for success. There should always be consistent training and the urge to find people with similar missions. Self-reflect and creating objectives for the best personal growth are critical for Diana’s success. I have seen how comfort can be addicting and getting into uncomfortable situations is healthy for growth.

“Don’t let fear dictate your life”

Chad Morris

Chad used the people, process, and technology aspects to frame his discussion. Chad emphasized that people are the greatest asset and to build strong teams with firm relationships throughout and across. The process is important in that there needs to be simplicity and sustainability to leverage continuous improvement. Technology is part of our world and is essential to maximize emerging capabilities. The framework Chad provided will be used as a general strategy for myself with management in the workplace.

“Understand the P&Ls”

Lisa Johnson

Lisa notes that conflict is part of life and to use it as a tool to build character. Lisa also made a big point that there is constant change throughout their 20s in life. Lisa uses a prescriptive communication style that delivers concise points/instructions to her team. I have seen several conflicts in my life turn out to be excellent lessons and teaching points that have led to my achievement.

“Enjoy the daily grind”

Krissy Glass

Krissy emphasized the importance of being present when the moments matter most. We have one life. Find the balance in reflecting on the past, living in the moment, and planning for the future. I recognized the importance of living in the moment during my semester-long study abroad which enhanced my appreciation of life.

“Help people realize their talents to push themselves”

Kelly Boyle

Failures have built character and resilience in Kelly’s life. Kelly has been in the relentless pursuit of your goals since a young age. That drive has built her career into what it is today. Putting the hard work in at the beginning of your career is what Kelly advised as we generally have a lot of energy in your early career. Keeping myself productive in high school with excessive extracurriculars and a rigorous academic schedule prepared me for University and the challenges I have faced.

Jeff England

Building the brand through relentless work is what Jeff has strived for in his career. Jeff has also recognized when it’s time to take a break and how that benefits his mental health. Jeff constantly puts himself in crisis mode to build resilience to stressful situations. I have seen that consistent hard work has leveraged my life for specific opportunities.

Strength Finders

During class, we also took a Strength Finders assessment. When taking the Strength Finders assessment, I found that my top 5 strength areas included focus, achievement, significance, and futuristic. I found that focus and achievement stuck out as being my primary areas to concentrate on. I am a goal-oriented individual that works towards goals every day and makes sure to put some effort forward that will project me to get to where I need to be. I like to extensively map out my future and to know that every activity or skill I involve myself with will launch me into the version of myself I will become.

Leadership Theory

Dr. Williams taught us several trait leadership theories throughout the course:

Servant leadership is leadership by leaders and followers working together. I will use this in my life to have absolute respect for the grind everyone around me is on.

Team leadership is Formed by team members meeting and slowly becoming friends. Storming by team members goes through conflict resolution. Norming with the team and getting used to each other and specific styles. Performing by teams working in an open and trusting environment. Adjourning by teams assessing individuals’ strengths and weaknesses in the group.

Change Leadership is to look at new requirements come up with a plan, implement the said plan with guidance, and review results

In the article Discovering Your Authentic Leadership, there are connections to what we covered in class. The article discusses how struggling with a team to achieve a common goal will strike unity and companionship. I saw this in effect with my most recent project in International Logistics. Another article, How Will you Measure Your Life, details that creating a strategy for life will lead to long-term happiness. Clayton Christensen suggests from his personal testimony that you will find joy in impacting others around you through positive enlightenment.

The Essential Drucker - Peter Drucker

I read a book by the father of management, Peter Drucker, to gain insight into his leadership styles. I took several lessons away from his readings. Drucker shows the importance of setting objectives, organization, communication, metrics, and human development – the 5 building blocks. Drucker suggests looking at innovation through human improvement as well as economically – through the improvement of colleagues will spark greater creativity. Drucker emphasized the importance of anticipating change as the world has significantly changed in the past 100 years and will continue to change in unimaginable ways.

Conclusion

I will use the strength results and leadership theories throughout my life and career. The key takeaways I took from the Industries leaders are to always keep learning, build community and build people ahead of you in life for mentoring and guidance. I appreciate the wisdom and experience I got to hear about in this class, and I will apply these life lessons to my own life. I’m excited to close this chapter in my life at The University of Arkansas and feel confident to move into my career.