Day one of ISM2016 is in the books. Check out the highlights from Indianapolis.
After months of anticipation, ISM2016 – the premier procurement and supply chain event – officially kicked off in Indianapolis. Whether you couldn’t make the trip or just couldn't decide which of the many great sessions to attend, we’re here to fill you in and give you an insider’s perspective with daily recaps straight from the conference.
Read Our Other Recaps
Day 2: Creating A culture of doing, sustainability, CEO tips, and more
Day 3: Negotiating tactics, supply chain risks, unlikely leaders, and more
Day 4: Overcoming challenges to working with small- and medium-sized businesses
We’re kicking off our coverage at #ISM2016 with an up close and personal look into the future of supply chain management at the 30 Under 30 Reception.
The 30 Under 30 program, sponsored by THOMASNET and ISM, recognizes the up-and-coming stars in the supply chain. We brought many of this year’s winners together with their nominators as well as winners of the past for an evening of networking and fun.
Throughout the reception, the enthusiasm for ISM2016, the 30 Under 30 Program, and the supply chain industry was palpable.
“I’m really excited to learn more about what everyone is thinking about,” said Debbi Wan, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Global Manufacturing Operations, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Debbi’s passion for learning was what drew her into supply chain management in the first place. From an early age, she took an inquisitive interest in where all the inventory in her parents’ small store came from.
Since then, she says, “it’s been really exciting to, over the years, think about how I could be more involved, then studying it, and now living it, it’s been great,” Debbi said of her supply chain career.
The ability to continually learn new things is just one of the reasons it’s so cool to work in supply chain management.
Michael Croasdale Senior Project Manager, Source One Management Services, shared another.
“I really like that you get to see how business works from the ground up, and it’s really cool to see the direct impact you have,” he said.
Michael, who focuses much of his time on cost reduction strategies, finds the work extremely rewarding.
“It’s great seeing how much of a financial impact you really have on a company, reducing costs for both direct and indirect materials,” he said.
The 30 Under 30 program has delivered supply chain professionals like Michael and Debbi professional exposure, networking opportunities and much deserved recognition. For Mike Karl, Assistant Director – Facilities Procurement Office, Princeton University, it has allowed him to recognize two of his own employees – Danielle Amico and Robert Dennis, Contract Administrators at the university.
“Last year I attended the ISM conference in Phoenix, and I was so impressed with the [30 Under 30] program,” he said.” I knew I had two individuals who really fit the criteria. I went right back home and submitted the nomination, and they were fortunate enough to be selected.”
Karl had high praise for Danielle and Robert.
“Their day-to-day work is just at such a high level, they’re passionate, they bring great energy every day and they’re really respected,” he said.
Advice For Future Supply Chain Professionals
This class of 30 Under 30 winners is going to make a big, long-lasting impact on the supply chain. But what about the next wave? What advice do they have for people thinking about a procurement career?
“You have to work hard but my advice to them is, if you put your nose to the grindstone, you’re going to get where you want to get,” said Michael.
Debbi added, “Study really hard and do something you really care about. Be curious of everything around you and have a lot of fun along the way.
That’s stellar advice from some truly stellar supply chain professionals.
Get To Know The 30 Under 30
Learn more about Debbi, Michael, Danielle, Robert and all of the 30 Under 30 Supply Chain Stars. Click here to download our free eBook.
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