– One of the young women interviewed for the whitepaper recently released by the Global Supply Chain Institute in the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This reference to “the perfection trap” is one of the topics covered in the report, “Young Professionals Perspectives on Supply Chain Diversity and Inclusion.”
Category: Words of Wisdom
Short, favorite quotes from AWESOME women.
“It is so important for young college women to have strong and courageous mentors and role models. Surrounding ourselves with confident leadership and accomplished women inspire and encourage us to pursue our goals and take risks.”
— Kendall Grafton, president of the student organization NeXxus at the University of Tennessee Knoxville after hearing remarks from Heather Sheehan, who was selected by NeXxus as Outstanding Woman in Supply Chain.
“Never pass up an opportunity to grow.”
— Captain Amy Bauernschmidt, the first female executive officer (XO) of a U.S. nuclear warship, referring to the advice from her mother that helped her overcome obstacles. Continue reading
“When women see other women in a position of leadership, it reframes what they think is possible to them.”
— Kat Cole, chief operating officer and president of North America for Focus Brands Inc., whose chains include Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Auntie Anne’s, as quoted in Wall Street Journal article on how sexual harassment and the gender gap are related.
“Fast changes in healthcare and technology are driving the revolution. We’ve responded by transforming our supply chain.”
— Meri Stevens, VP of strategy and deployment at Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain, as quoted in an article in the Wall Street Journal Continue reading
“As supply chain leaders, we need to step up, demonstrate strategic problem-solving skills, and ask to participate in the company’s top-level planning.”
— Heather Sheehan, AWESOME Executive Director, in opening remarks at SMC3 Connections 2018. Continue reading
“Until I attended the AWESOME Symposium in 2014, I’d never had the chance to network with a large group of supply chain women.”

— Heather Sheehan, Executive Director of AWESOME since January 2018, reflecting on her first connection with AWESOME when she was VP for Danaher Corporation, in a recent Q&A for “Wednesdays for Women,” a blog posted by JDA Software. Continue reading
“You’ve been underestimated and that stops now. I expect you to be everything you can be today.”
— Robin Thede, Host of BET’s The Rundown with Robin Thede, saying what she tells the women and men on her team. . She is one of more than 100 innovative executives and entrepreneurs offering insights in Fast Company magazine on leading with optimism.
Continue reading
“The only way to take a big leap is all at once.”
— Tami Forman, a contributor to forbes.com, in a blog on overcoming the fear of failure in 2018. She reminds readers of five tactics that can help an individual move forward through career challenges. Continue reading
“Girls need to see themselves as equally eligible for STEM pursuits.”
— From the report of a new study about women in technology conducted by Harvey Nash in partnership with ARA. Continue reading