Inspirational Women

Amanda Branley

Chief Procurement Officer, Public Transport Authority of Western Australia

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

"I have worked in organisations and roles that are very male dominated. The biggest challenge has been establishing credibility and gaining acceptance in those types of workplaces."

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

"The character traits of women that I view as successful leaders are integrity (honest and ethical behaviour and build trust with their teams), perseverance (even in challenging situations they persistently pursue their goals) and strength (inner resilience and determination to overcome obstacles).

The values that I live by as a leader are to be playful; be kind; be honest. I take my work seriously, but don’t take myself seriously. A good leader is one who seeks to understand and enable the diversity and skills in her team to make the (world / workplace) a better place."

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

"I spent a long time in my early career comparing myself to others. My advice to my younger self would be to focus on what you do best and well."

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

"Your journey starts at the edge of your comfort zone."

Krishna Harish MCIPS, MILT, ACMI

Communications Officer for CIPS South Yorkshire Branch, UK

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

"As a recent MSc graduate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a fervent supporter and aspirant as a woman in Procurement & Supply Chain, I have encountered the hurdle of scepticism in the business realm regarding the recruitment of women in this sector."

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

"I firmly hold the belief that every woman achieves success in her unique way: they can lead effectively by embracing their authenticity and serving as role models, possess the capacity to persevere against challenges, anticipate and address issues both individually and collaboratively, navigate through crises, and devise constructive solutions.

These qualities can make a woman a leader with empathy, integrity, and vision, backed by good work knowledge and a commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments."

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

"If I were to advise my younger self, I would stress the significance of viewing challenges and failures as opportunities for personal growth rather than obstacles. I would urge myself to have more confidence in taking risks and pursuing my passions, even if they appear intimidating initially. The world is in a constant state of change, and maintaining an open mind and adaptability is crucial for resilience and innovation."

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

"My fundamental belief centres around the notion of “Success is fleeting, and failure isn't fatal; what truly counts is the courage to persevere." The essence of Abraham Lincoln's quote “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years" encapsulates my aspirations and desires."

Lenushka Parannath

Head of Procurement – Bidvest International Logistics

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

"I don’t think of myself as a woman in business. If you enter the workplace believing that you will be treated differently, or have challenges based on your gender, you will manifest that into your career.

It's imperative not to confine oneself to a narrative of victimhood based on gender or any other inherent trait. Rather, it's the unique amalgamation of skills, values, character, and capacity for growth that defines one's individuality and contributes to the diversity of thought within an organization. These are the qualities that truly matter."

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

"...the attributes of success and leadership may not always align... nevertheless, certain qualities consistently distinguish exceptional leaders I've encountered. Resilience: Focus on developing a positive outlook and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Be willing to learn: Embrace failures, mistakes and setbacks. They teach us more about ourselves and the task we’re trying to achieve than perfection. Ethical leadership: Character and integrity are foundational to ethical leadership. Innovate."

"Inspiring leaders encourage their teams to explore new business models, develop innovative products or services, identify untapped opportunities for growth and expansion, and most importantly, allow them to make mistakes."

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

"Be bold and advocate for yourself. There's a fine line between humility and underselling your worth. If you're achieving remarkable feats in your life or career, don't hesitate to share your accomplishments. Waiting for others to acknowledge your achievements may leave you overlooked

I was brought up on the concept of “let your work speak for itself”. I’ve learned over the years that is it's also essential to strike a balance by acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments with humility while also asserting your value and capabilities confidently when necessary."

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

"I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the kind of woman I wanted to be." Diane von Furstenberg.

Maryanne Karanja

Head of Supply Chain, Safaricom Plc

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

"We live in a dynamic, volatile world and my role has in the last few years involved leading teams in building resilience. The greatest challenge in all this is in inspiring the team to stay the course, to be creative and innovative as we shift gears, pivot, learning from failure and in building grit."

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

"Focus and Commitment. These two are two sides of the same coin. Commitment means dedication and devotion in everything, towards a dedicated goal - whether this is in the home front, in education, career or business. Focus means that even when uncertainties show up because we live in a world that changes often, you bear the focus in mind so even as you pivot strategically, you do not lose sight of the original vision."

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

"Just start. I think a lot of time is wasted waiting for things to be perfect, or to have all the ducks in a row, before starting out. I have since learned that is not necessary. Grow through the process. You learn more from doing than from standing aside and being afraid."

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

"Several come to mind. Especially in the space I am in right now - mentoring and nurturing future supply chain leaders. But I will go with Carla Harris – Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley.
“Your job as a leader is to create other leaders. ”

Yasmin Hussein Hassan

Deputy Director Supply Chain Management at National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

"Lack of diversity and inclusivity in leadership and work-life balance."

What are the character traits of successful women?

"Emotional intelligence, empathetic, confident, assertive and resilient. What do you think makes a good leader? Should have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion and should be a good communicator and listener."

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

"That, the hard days are what makes you stronger. They make you realize what a good day is and if you never had any bad days then you will never have that sense of accomplishment"

What advice would you give your younger self?

"Believe in yourself and trust in God"

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

"Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success."

Maryam Monjazi

Director of Procurement, Aldar Education

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“I have dedicated my career mainly to Procurement and Supply Chain roles, navigating industries predominantly occupied by male colleagues. Starting with what some might perceive as a "weakness" — being a woman — I found myself compelled to exert double the effort to establish my legitimacy, to ensure my voice was heard, respected, and carried authority.”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“Successful individuals regardless of gender, embody a range of character traits that contribute to their effectiveness and impact. These traits include resilience, adaptability, empathy, confidence, visionary thinking, and strong communication skills.

What makes a good leader... integrity, decisiveness, strategic thinking, empowerment, resilience, and adaptability are key attributes. Good leaders operate with honesty and ethical integrity, make timely decisions, possess strategic vision, empower and develop their team members, demonstrate resilience in overcoming challenges, and adapt to changing circumstances.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

“I would emphasize the importance of confidence and daring. I would reassure her that being a woman is not a weakness but a strength to embrace. I would encourage her not to fear making mistakes but to see them as invaluable experiences to learn and grow from. Prioritizing work-life balance is crucial, and .... an essential part of a fulfilling existence.”

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“Even though society has come a long way in correcting the inequalities between men and women in the workplace, it still has to be said that women are oftentimes subconsciously playing to the gender roles which we are taught from birth.” - Bozoma Saint John

Gaynor Smith FCIPS

Sustainable Procurement (Project) Manager, University of Birmingham

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“The training budget being spent elsewhere! I can’t emphasise enough the importance of taking charge of your own career path and investing in personal development.”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“Resilience and self-belief (ready to face those detractors out there!). A person who will listen and continue the conversation based on what others say. To encourage others to succeed and when they do, celebrate without taking the credit.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

“Don't turn down an opportunity especially if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Whether it is in the profession or outside of it. This has changed my complete outlook on life.

Make connections and network both at work and outside of it, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself outside of the business unit, you will come across the most unexpected, amazingly supportive people.

Find an interest on the side of the day job and seek out projects where you can make a difference. You will not only enjoy doing it but also meet like-minded people who will share your enthusiasm.”

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“Be your authentic self”

Jacinta Taliauli

Procurement Consultant, Public Sector, New Zealand

What's the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“The biggest challenge that I have faced in my career is learning how to navigate situations or environments where I may be treated differently because of my gender, age or ethnicity. There have been times where I have had to navigate being ignored, being left out of meetings and being looked over for development opportunities. When you come across questionable behavior, calling it out isn’t always the easiest thing to do and sometimes it may be easier to self-blame, self-doubt and self-criticize. I thought the best way to face this situation was to stay silent and defy stereotypes by being hardworking, trustworthy and demonstrating a strong work ethic. However, it is important to talk about these challenges with your organisational leaders so that changes can be made. Facing these situations has made me realise how important it is to work for a leader that you can trust or be a leader that others can trust.”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“The character traits of people that I look up to include integrity, grit, courage and a commitment to growth. I believe a successful person is able to see themselves move past any obstacles, failures and barriers in relentless pursuit of their goals.

One of the traits that I have come to admire in a leader is when they care for the people around them. Good leaders know that there are barriers, stereotypes and inequities that may impact their people and they are willing to be courageous and address it. This could be demonstrated in different ways by supporting others' growth, trusting them to do their job and checking in on their wellbeing.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

“My top three would be to back yourself, invest in your development and apply for that promotion even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria.”

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“Your attitude determines your altitude.”
“You can choose to see your failures and challenges as a barrier, or as a learning opportunity. Although I have experienced some challenges in the workplace, I have also been very fortunate to have worked with many fantastic and inspiring leaders. This saying reminds me to focus on being positive, even in the most challenging situations.”

Pippa Gillibrand

Director at PwC, Procurement Value Creation & Realisation (previously CPO at the FCA)

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“There have certainly been events that have proven more challenging and at times frustrating; sometimes as a result of being female, sometimes by the sheer nature that Procurement is often fighting its own battle for a seat at the corporate leadership table and therefore the leadership challenge is exacerbated (regardless of gender). My biggest challenge in all honesty though, has probably been the personal balance of wanting to drive my career forwards whilst still being a present and engaged Mum to my two young children.

This however is increasingly a conversation not only for women, but for everyone who chooses to have a degree of flexibility within their role to accommodate other personal commitments (be that as a parent, a carer, or to focus on a hobby).”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“The character traits of a good leader are not necessarily gender-specific. Personally I believe that developing a vision that everyone can stand behind and then leading the charge towards that vision with authenticity, empathy and modesty is critical, in any leadership role. I have strived to define and evolve my own personal leadership style, based on my own good (and bad) experiences.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

“Firstly, grab life’s opportunities as they arise; embrace the challenge and even the risk that goes with that. I regularly tried to do this (and starting my career in consulting was a perfect environment to harness that), but often with a blind leap of faith and with some trepidation along the way, rather than with the confidence that actually things will work out. And if they don’t (and sometimes they didn’t), then you learn from them, build resilience and are stronger for the next attempt.

Secondly, people are everything! The people you work with and for will make or break the experiences you have. I have been so fortunate to work with so many exceptionally talented people and have had many amazing leaders to coach and mentor me through my career.”

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.” (Nate Berkus)

With the excitement of trying new things though, there is of course always the risk of failure (which is scary for all of us, and indeed has personally led to feelings of imposter syndrome at times!). I therefore also have always really bought into Richard Branson’s view on failure: 

“Treat failure as a lesson on how not to approach achieving a goal, and then use that learning to improve your chances of success when you try again. Failure is only the end if you decide to stop.”

Asma Alotaibi

Procurement Manager- PIF Portfolio

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“Limited access to networks and mentorship can hinder women's professional development and access to valuable connections and opportunities. However, it's important to acknowledge that progress has been made in addressing the challenges, and many organizations and individuals are working towards creating more inclusive and equitable business environments for women.”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“The character traits of successful women can vary, as success is subjective and dependent on individual goals and aspirations. However, there are several common character traits that are often associated with successful women. I can highlight that perseverance is important. Successful women are determined and persistent. They don't give up easily and are willing to put in the effort required to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives. Also she is confident and ambitious in a way that helps her to navigate challenges and set high aspirations to accomplish them.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

1. Be confident in yourself and your abilities.
2. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
3. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
4. Advocate for yourself and don't be afraid to speak up.
5. Continuously learn and adapt to new opportunities.
6. Believe in your own worth and never settle for less.

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that's changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks." - Mark Zuckerberg

Sophie Cros

Procurement Director

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business to date?

“I had the chance to work with very inspiring male and female leader who always deposited their trust in me and my ability to achieved challenging projects. I would say that my biggest challenge actually came more from within in having the self-confidence to push boundaries. This is something I have gained with experience.”

What are the character traits of successful women? What do you think makes a good leader?

“I do not distinguish the traits of successful women vs successful men but rather value the individual and what they bring to the table by being their best version of themselves no matter the gender. Hence, for me, a good leader is someone who is able to inspire, communicate clearly and demonstrate learning agility.”

What do you wish you’d known when you started out and/ or what advice would you give your younger self?

“Do not be afraid to ask ‘stupid questions’. The chances are pretty high that if I have a question, more people in the room will have the same ones!! Seek out a mentor who can genuinely help you grow as a professional.”

Do you have a favourite quote or statement that sums up your approach to life?

“The sky is not the limit. Your mind is ” - Marylin Monroe