by Janice Marquardt | Jun 30, 2026 | Supply Chain Career
Procurement can be incredibly variable in its workload. Some weeks we’re running flat out with multiple contract signatures, RFPs due, and technical evaluations completing ready for the next step. Some weeks are quieter with RFPs in flight, technical teams going...
by Janice Marquardt | Jun 23, 2026 | Supply Chain Career
I dropped my daughter off for her last year of camp, one of our favorite camp staff with her arm around my beautiful 16-year-old. As I walked back to my car to start the 8-hour drive home, I felt more sad and contemplative than I did when I dropped a small 9-year-old...
by Janice Marquardt | Apr 21, 2026 | Creative Solutions, Supply Chain Career
I love the Iowa State Voorhees Supply Chain Conference, and not just because I’m an alumni. People who attend this one-day conference are there to learn, not just to rub elbows and eat good food (although the catering is very good). When I was primarily in corporate...
by Janice Marquardt | Jan 20, 2026 | Definitions, Supply Chain Career
This topic is sticky. It’s ugly. It feels dangerous to talk about. And it’s an issue that impacts multiple departments, not only the supply chain. Worst of all, it’s an “ism.” Today I’m going to tackle the big ugly topic of nepotism: where it tends to show up, what it...
by Janice Marquardt | Dec 30, 2025 | Supply Chain Career
The most common question, especially at conferences and networking events, is “What do you do?” In casual settings, my answer is “I solve supply chain problems.” At networking and professional events it’s often, “I bring negotiation back to procurement” or “I elevate...
by Janice Marquardt | Nov 4, 2025 | Supply Chain Career
So you are (or have) a new supply chain leader. Congratulations, opportunity abounds! And so do pitfalls. Traps. Challenges. Whether you are part of a team with a new leader, managing a new leader, or you are the new leader, today’s post is for you. I have led new...
