425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe

Introduction

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Let's Talk Supply Chain." In this edition, Sarah engages with Josephine Kum, a seasoned supply chain leader, marketing expert, and Chief Commercial Officer for Europe at Nulogy. With nearly 30 years of experience, Josephine shares her journey, her vision for the supply chain industry, and the value of collaboration and innovation.

Brain Teaser and Introduction

At the top of the show, a brain teaser was shared, posing the question: "What percentage of the average brand owner's total production is managed by contract manufacturers?" With outsourcing becoming increasingly prevalent, many were curious to guess how high that number might be.

Background of Josephine Kum

Josephine holds a degree and a Master’s in English, using her background to establish a successful career in communications. Initially, her career path was serendipitous; however, at the halfway mark, she became more deliberate in her choices. She emphasizes the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities.

Josephine reflects on her 25-year career in marketing, noting how it has evolved from an art-focused discipline to one increasingly driven by data and analytics. She stresses the need for a balanced skill set in marketing professionals today—combining creativity with analytical capabilities.

Transition to Leadership

Having held senior executive roles at companies like Bullfrog Power and NRX, Josephine transitioned to her current role at Nulogy in January 2020, just before the pandemic struck. Starting the UK office was a unique challenge due to COVID-19, but the disruption allowed the team to build their market presence through content and brand building.

As CCO for Europe, Josephine’s responsibilities revolve around enhancing the brand's reputation while actively driving sales across the UK and Continental Europe. This dual focus reinforces the importance of sales and marketing alignment.

Collaboration and Digital Transformation Vision

Josephine passionately discusses Nulogy's vision of collaboration and co-innovation within the supply chain. Many large companies rely on third-party logistics and manufacturers, but this reliance often leads to a lack of visibility into those external operations. Josephine’s goal is to illuminate the supply chain landscape, allowing manufacturers to gain better insights and collaborate more effectively.

Women in Supply Chain and Personal Experience

The conversation shifts to the involvement of women in supply chain roles, with Josephine noting significant momentum in the UK. She observes a balanced representation of women in leadership, with many organizations led by female executives.

Reflecting on her career, Josephine notes that the first half presented typical barriers for women, but over the last 15 years, progressive leaders have focused on enabling diverse environments. She credits early mentors, like Greg Keing at Bullfrog Power, for helping her find her voice and empowering her growth in leadership roles.

Work-Life Balance and Future Aspirations

Alongside her career, Josephine maintains a passion for music, holding a diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She plays piano, finding creative outlets essential for work-life balance. As she looks to the future, Josephine expresses her commitment to supporting young professionals in the supply chain and emphasizes the need for embracing ambiguity while pursuing career aspirations with intention.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The show closes with a reminder of the initial brain teaser, revealing that an average of 32% of a brand owner's total production is managed by contract manufacturers. Josephine reminds listeners that the supply chain sector offers substantial opportunities, especially for young professionals looking to make an impact in the industry.

For more insights and developments from the supply chain sector, tune in to upcoming episodes of "Let's Talk Supply Chain."

Keywords

• Josephine Kum
• Supply chain
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Digital transformation
• Collaboration
• Women in supply chain
• Work-life balance

FAQ

Q1: Who is Josephine Kum?
A1: Josephine Kum is a seasoned supply chain leader and Chief Commercial Officer for Europe at Nulogy, with nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and communications.

Q2: What percentage of production is managed by contract manufacturers?
A2: On average, 32% of a brand owner's total production is managed by contract manufacturers.

Q3: What is the significance of collaboration in supply chain management?
A3: Collaboration is vital for improving visibility and operational efficiency among different supply chain partners, enabling companies to respond more effectively to market demands.

Q4: How has the role of women in supply chain changed over the years?
A4: There has been significant progress in the representation of women in supply chain roles, particularly in leadership positions, with many organizations actively promoting diversity.

Q5: What advice does Josephine give to young professionals in supply chain?
A5: Josephine advises young professionals to embrace ambiguity and be open to unexpected opportunities while also planning their career trajectories purposefully.