488: Women in Supply Chain, Kimberly Rodriguez

Kimberly Rodriguez talks about her career journey; tackling the industry’s sustainability challenges; overcoming imposter syndrome; & finding her place.

[04.15] Kimberly’s experience growing up in the Philippines, her university education in Abu Dhabi, and how those experiences shaped her, introducing her to the complexity of supply chain and the importance of people.

[06.45] How Kimberly’s education in political science and business sparked an intertest in human rights and began a career in supply chain.

“It stemmed from understanding how workers are such a big part of a complex problem… understanding the complex relationships between contractors, sub-contractors, agencies – supply chain is not just products or processes, it’s people.”

[09.49] After entering supply chain not knowing what to expect, what Kimberly thinks of the industry seven years later.

“The more I’m in the space, the more I realize how much supply chain makes everything we do, it’s how everything works, it’s all interlinked and there’s nothing that can be done without the consideration of supply chain. It blows my mind that it’s not talked about more!”

[12.41] Kimberly’s role as manager of supply chain sustainability at BSI.

“Increasingly we’ve been helping clients navigate the alphabet soup of regulatory requirements!”

[15.31] The change in how important sustainability has become to a company’s overall strategy.

[18.17] From mapping their supply chains to auditing suppliers, the biggest goals and challenges BSI clients are focusing on right now.

[23.09] Kimberley’s advice to organizations looking to focus more strategically on sustainability in 2025.

“Understanding how different functions work together is key... Sustainability shouldn’t just be one person or teams job.”

[27.00] Kimberly’s experience as a woman in supply chain and sustainability.

[29.14] Kimberly’s experience of impostor syndrome, and what helps her to rise above the moments of self-doubt and find her power again.

“It matters a lot, who champions you and who pushes you forward.”

[33.38] What it means to be honored as an industry ‘rising star’ at the Women in Supply Chain awards.

[35.18] Kimberly’s support network, and the mentors that have helped her along her journey so far.

[37.50] The future for Kimberly.

You can connect with Kimberly Rodriguez over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry rising stars, check out 479: Women in Supply Chain, Lina Castaneda, 466: Women in Supply Chain, Alexia McLaughlin or 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina.

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