Series: Gorgeous Girls In Supply Chain
Welcome to our series celebrating the incredible women in Supply Chain and Logistics! In a traditionally male-dominated field, it's important to shine a light on the inspiring women who are making a significant impact. Through a mix of insightful and fun questions, we’ll explore their journeys, challenges, and successes. While we acknowledge the contributions of everyone in this industry, this series aims to elevate the voices and stories of women who often get missed. Today we meet: Jessica Wash
JESSICA WASH
Jessica Wash brings over a decade of experience in the logistics industry, making her a trusted expert. Currently, she works with Revenova, where she helps brokers, carriers, shippers, and 3PLs optimize their workflows by providing customized, affordable, solution-based and value-added support. Jessica enjoys meeting new prospects and connections at events in the industry. She shares her day to day and cool events on her platform making her relatable and easy to connect with. Jessica is a partner, traveller, sports fan, and animal lover.
What is your current role and company?
Enterprise Sales Manager, Revenova TMS
How did you end up in the world of supply chain?
I spent 15 years in the restaurant industry, starting in high school, working through and after college. I was looking for an exit route so I email blasted my resume on Craiglist (showing my age) and somebody from BNSF Logistics reached out first! I didn't know anything about the industry but decided to dive in, head first. Turns out it was the right decision to make because here I am, 10+ years later still wheeling and dealing in this wild business.
What is your favourite part of your work day?
Meeting with current and prospective partners. The best part about supply chain is the people that work in it every day. It sounds cliche, but meeting new people and developing existing relationships is so much fun and is what has kept me interested and engaged for a decade.
What is the least favourite part of your work day?
Hearing no. It never stops being a bummer but it's part of the gig.
What is a systemic issue in your part of the supply chain that concerns you currently?
It has definitely improved but it's still very much a boys club. It is still such a male dominated industry that although there has been so much progress, making your voice heard and respected takes more work than sometimes it should.
How would you address it if you had the power, money, or influence?
By doing what is being done by women in the position to do so; using my platform to shed light on the issue and be proactive about finding solutions. Better solutions are found when different perspectives are considered. That's just a fact.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women entering your field?
Stand up for yourself or surround yourself with people who will do it for you. The best thing that has happened in my career was during a meeting. The COO of my company at that time was seated next to me and I was constantly being talked over by a few men in the room. My COO, Nancy Ronning, interrupted them after they'd interrupted me again and told them to let me speak. That was the first time I had someone advocate for me in that way and I've since tried to take on that role for others who are being silenced by the louder voices in the room.
What are your top 3 podcasts? (do not have to be industry related)
Who are your top 5 women in supply chain to follow on LinkedIn?
How do you deal with creeps you encounter in your work day?
Block them. You're never going to persuade them to not be a creep so just block them. Also, they're annoying.
What is your favourite way to unwind?
Hang out with my wife and dogs! They're my happy place.
What have you recently changed your mind about?
I'm very stubborn so that doesn't happen often, as much as I hate to admit that. So I think it would have to be about some sort of interior design choice my wife made that she wore me down on.
5 must haves to get you thru the day?
Coffee
5-10 minutes of Peloton Guided Meditation
Snuggles with my boston terrier and pitbull
Talking to my best friend
A minimum of 8 hugs from my wife
Social media for Jessica
