Exploring New Places in Your Supply Chain Career
If you thought a career in supply chain meant you’d be working in the same place with the same people for many years to come, think again!
Ron Castro, Vice President IBM Supply Chain is our coach on Day Four of Career Boot Camp 2019. Sign up here to his podcast now.
If you thought a career in supply chain meant you’d be working in the same place with the same people for many years to come, think again!
Ron Castro, Vice President, IBM Supply Chain’s CV sounds more like a global expedition of discovery than a traditional professional career. Australia, China, Brazil and the US – Ron’s career has taken him to roles in all four corners of the globe. He even managed to fit in a stint in France along the way.
Work Across the Business
So how did Ron achieve his impressive globe-trotting career? He attributes his success to an unquenchable thirst to explore and work in every aspect of the business. “Rotating across the supply chain and your organisation can help to connect the dots,” advises Ron. Becoming a subject matter expert in all aspects of the work, he believes, makes it easier to develop a holistic approach.
Ron hasn’t limited his experience to just the world of work. His involvement in learning and development to support supply chain professionals across the industry, plus a board position on a non-profit organisation, show his thirst for new ideas and different perspectives extends outside working hours.
Ron recommends that supply chain professionals “be involved across initiatives”. He’s found that this approach helped him to see things from a different perspective – one of the skills that is essential at a time when the world is constantly changing and moving forward.
Don’t be Afraid to Fail
Ron is concerned that “people play it safe and have a fear of failure.” His career success had been built on taking risks and using trusted early warning systems to course correct if his ideas start moving off track.
In Ron’s view, far too many supply chain professionals aim to low and achieve unambitious targets. “Better to shoot for the stars and hit the moon,” Ron stresses.
Your Exploration Road Map
So how can you chart your expedition to supply chain career success? Ron has seven tips that you can try:
- Be bold – set yourself an ambitious target today
- Make time for the important things rather than letting urgent things dominate your day – being able to achieve important things will define your career
- Take care of your mind and your body – perhaps take up mountain biking like Ron
- Be balanced and be a holistic thinker – seek out opportunities to gain insight that can help you join the dots
- Build a strong network – connect with as many people as you can inside and outside your work
- Skills become obsolete – learning is lifelong not just for when you are at school
- Have passion and love what you do – if not find yourself something another role.
Why not start your expedition today by setting yourself an ambitious career goal? Follow Ron’s chart for success to see where next for your supply chain career journey.
