Inbound Logistics | March 2026

READERPROFILE

forward or you’ll get left behind. Yet a lot of companies grapple with outdated technology stacks that limit their ability to put automation in place. There’s also a shortage of skilled professionals in data analytics, automation, and articial intelligence. The challenges of the digital transformation in supply chain have a huge impact on talent. Global trade disruptions, tariffs, and geopolitical instability also have a tremendous impact. Nobody knows where to source from, and companies can look only about six months out. So, they’re shifting to nearshoring or regionalizing and creating new sourcing strategies. This also has a huge impact on talent and technology, as they need to come up with new ways of doing things. When you bring in the talent that can address these challenges and drive change forward, it’s fascinating. You can have an impact on companies’ success.

Heidi Hoffman Answers the Big Questions 1 Any advice for supply chain professionals who want to move up? Stay curious and explore other

own your space. Figure out where you belong and be the best you possible. 3 What song lyrics describe your role? “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well you just might find, you get what you need,” from You Can’t Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones. Our clients often have a picture of what they think they need, but when we put it out to the world, that’s not what they need. We educate them on what they really need. 4 Do you have a hidden talent? Growing up, I trained as a classical violinist. I didn’t become one but it gives me peace to listen to and play music. It’s a dierent way to release stress or use creativity.

functions. A procurement executive who also had a stint in sales has seen two sides of the same coin. It shows their curiosity. They know how to be adaptable and how to tie functions together. I love that. Also, embrace technology. 2 What career advice has had an impact on your career? Early on, someone told me, ‘Just because you don’t see someone who looks like you doesn’t mean you don’t belong.’ I took that to heart. When I got into this field, I often was the only woman in any room. I wore brightly colored suits because I wasn’t going to shrink into the background. I tried to make a place for other women. Also,

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March 2026 • Inbound Logistics 11