Published on

#04: Roxane Desmicht Head of Supply Chain at Infineon Technologies Part 3

#04: Roxane Desmicht Head of Supply Chain at Infineon Technologies Part 3

In this final segment of our interview with Roxane Desmicht, the Head of Supply Chain at Infineon Technologies, we delve into useful insights for those aspiring to excel in supply chain management. Roxane shares her thoughts on career advancement, personal development, and strategies for thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain.

Key Career Advice

Roxane emphasizes the importance of exploring various functions within supply chain management, as well as across different sites. Understanding the diverse aspects of supply chains allows individuals to become more effective professionals. She highlights her belief in building a robust network, both internally and externally, to seize opportunities throughout one's career. Additionally, volunteering for projects can help individuals gain visibility and develop their skill sets, while maintaining a balance between career advancement and job satisfaction by experiencing different company cultures.

A Strong Morning Routine

Roxane stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, stating a good breakfast and regular exercise are essential. She goes to the gym twice a week and incorporates stretching and focus exercises, such as balancing on one leg with eyes closed, to improve cognitive function. Early work hours allow her to organize her day efficiently, while avoiding back-to-back meetings helps in maintaining focus and encourages open communication.

In terms of reading, Roxane expresses her philosophy of sticking to a few classic books while supplementing her knowledge with articles. She advocates for “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “Blue Ocean Strategy,” which encourages innovative thinking in positioning supply chains. Another notable mention is the book "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg, highlighting gender biases and the importance of addressing these issues to promote workplace equality.

Embracing Data and Challenges

Roxane finds excitement in working with data, which often baffles others. She shares that any topic can be interesting if approached correctly, emphasizing the need to find enjoyment in your work. She encourages individuals to bravely reflect on their job satisfaction, suggesting that if one is unhappy, it may be time to seek new opportunities.

Engaging on Social Media

While Roxane does not use platforms like Facebook or Twitter, she is active on LinkedIn for professional networking. She appreciates it as a means to build connections, share expertise, and keep up with industry trends.

Overcoming Challenges in Supply Chain

Reflecting on her biggest challenge, the transition to SAP in 2006, Roxane recalls how establishing clear communication and fostering team resilience helped her overcome the difficulties of the change process.

Sources of Inspiration

When asked about successful figures in her field, she cites Jeff Bezos as a transformative leader due to his long-term focus and culture of openness, which fosters innovation and collaboration.

Reflecting on Personal Growth

If Roxane could give advice to her younger self, she would encourage herself not to leave the technical field too soon, fostering a more rounded view of her career from the outset while still valuing her cultural experiences.

In essence, Roxane's journey through the supply chain sector is marked by a commitment to exploration, adaptability, and learning, which are invaluable lessons for aspiring professionals in the industry.

Keywords

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Career Advancement
  • Networking
  • Project Volunteering
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Morning Routine
  • Recommended Readings
  • Data Analysis
  • Job Satisfaction
  • SAP Transition

FAQ

1. What advice does Roxane give for becoming a leader in supply chain?
Roxane advises exploring various functions and sites within supply chain management to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

2. How important is networking in a supply chain career?
Building a strong network is vital, as it can lead to new opportunities and collaborations throughout one's career.

3. What does Roxane recommend for maintaining productivity at work?
She suggests avoiding back-to-back meetings and keeping an open-door policy to facilitate spontaneous discussions.

4. Which books does Roxane recommend for understanding management and supply chain better?
She recommends "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and "Blue Ocean Strategy," along with Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In" for insights on gender bias in the workplace.

5. How does Roxane approach challenges in her career?
By establishing clear communication and fostering resilience within her team, she navigated significant challenges like the transition to SAP effectively.

Read More