Story 5 - Catalina's Voyage: From Finance to Supply Chain Success

Catalina Franco's journey through the ever-changing world of supply chain management is nothing short of inspiring. Her career path, which includes roles at top companies like Johnson & Johnson, Burberry, Diageo, Marks and Spencer, and Pernod Ricard, shows how passion on what you do, strategic thinking, and leveraging transferable skills can lead to achieve a successful career.

Catalina started her career in the finance department at Johnson & Johnson, where she worked for three years. During this time, she interacted closely with operations and supply chain teams, sparking her interest in the field. This experience gave her a unique perspective on inventory management and operational finance, setting the stage for her shift into supply chain management.

Deciding to pursue an MBA solidified her desire to move from finance to supply chain. Despite skepticism from potential employers, Catalina remained determined. She used her deep understanding of financial principles, especially those related to inventory and cost management, to prove the value for a supply chain role. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing and using transferable skills when changing careers.

Catalina's supply chain career spanned various industries, each with its own challenges and opportunities. She spent eight years in the spirits and alcohol industry, enjoying a close-knit, family-like culture that made her work rewarding. This period marked significant professional growth and honed her ability to drive transformational programmes for the company.

Here are some insights from Catalina for young professionals:

1. Transferable Skills: When switching industries or roles, focus on what you can bring from your previous experiences. Catalina’s financial expertise in inventory management was a key asset in her supply chain career.

2. Understand Common Problems: All companies face similar challenges, like stock management, service delivery, and aligning stakeholders with the same plan/goal. Knowing how to address similar issues and reapply to new environments is key.

3. Commercial Acumen: Having commercial acumen is crucial for the success of any roles withing the organization and will help you to stand out. This knowledge. enables to make informed decisions that align with the broader business strategy and drive profitability. “Understand how supply chain decisions impact other departments and the company's bottom line, ensuring that their actions support the company's goals”

4. Innovation: Leaders with an innovative mindset are better positioned to drive innovation within the supply chain. They can identify new technologies and processes that improve efficiency and support the company’s growth objectives.

5. Build a strong professional network: Catalina's professional network has not only helped her find new opportunities but has also shaped her career through the guidance of great mentors. She shared "I have worked with incredibly talented people who have become great friends. I know I can pick up the phone when I need advice or want to discuss professional ideas, and they are always there to help, having faced similar challenges".

Catalina also shares tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For her, regular exercise is crucial for winding down and staying disciplined. She recommends blocking specific times for personal activities and sticking to them to maintain balance.

Looking ahead, Catalina sees supply chain management becoming more integrated with commercial strategy, driving transformation and innovation. She believes the next generation of supply chain professionals will need to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of business dynamics to succeed.

Catalina's journey from finance to supply chain, across various industries and cultural environments, showcases her adaptability, resilience, and strategic mindset. Her story is an inspiration, demonstrating that with the right mix of skills, determination, and a focus on personal values, remarkable success is within reach in any field.