What Does it Take to Become an Executive

There are many leadership qualities discussed in multitudes of studies, papers, and theories. And we all relate to information in ways that are unique to our own experience. Sometimes it might be harder to find the connecting dots between information and the practicality of how that information can translate to actual steps in pursuing the career path we desire. That’s why, actual leaders’ experience and advice becomes a valuable source of inspiration in defining actions one could consider, to move into the right direction.

In the past year, Alcott Global’s guests in the Leaders in Supply Chain Podcast and in the Global Summits, have shared their experience and advice, in over 35 hours of interviews and keynotes. The Career Advice for Supply Chain Executives report, has synthesized key actions of what would it take for supply chain professionals to step into the executives positions.

Citing Andrew Bryant: “What if a C-suite position opened up tomorrow? Are you ready for it?”

Supply chain organizations are the biggest people organizations in any company, with an immense potential to drive business growth. Preparing to take up a Supply Chain Executive role, or even CEO, it does start with aiming for that position, and it requires regular homework, intentional planning, strategic actions, constant hindsight, curiosity, and balance. 

The leaders featured in the report have generously shared about the essential skills, both hard and soft skills, habits triggered by Covid-19 crisis which are to be observed and avoided, the exposure and long term investments to build the trust and bring into light differentiators that count in stepping into the C-suite, but which CVs will not be able to reflect.

Listen to the full podcast episodes here:

• #100: Pier Luigi Sigismondi President at Dole Packaged Foods
• #98: Daniel Stanton, “Mr. Supply Chain”
• #97: John Church EVP of Supply Chain & CSCO at General Mills
• #96: Sandra MacQuillan EVP & CSCO at Mondelēz International
• #94: Susan Brennan COO of Bloom Energy
• #93: Shellye Archambeau Board Director Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, Okta

The report concludes with Alcott Global’s observations on the 7 essential skills that define Top Talent in Supply Chain.