Logistics is one of the most critical sectors in the global economy, yet it remains one of the most male-dominated professions. As International Women's Day shines a spotlight on the industry's diversity gap, the question isn't just about representation - it's about how the sector attracts, develops, and retains the next generation of leaders. 

Helen Hardy, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, joins Chain Reaction to break down why logistics has a talent problem and what the industry needs to do about it.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED:

• Why the logistics talent pipeline is broken - and how to fix it

• The role of mentorship, education, and professional development in shaping future leaders

• How technology and AI are changing what it means to work in supply chain

The conversation also explores how technology and AI are changing how people learn, work, and build careers in logistics, and why the sector needs to reposition itself as a modern, purpose-driven profession to attract the next generation of talent.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7FX0GlEpcrM 

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00) - Introduction and International Women's Day context

(1:54) - Helen Hardy's journey into logistics and leadership at CILT

(5:13) - The current state and future of the logistics and supply chain sector

(7:29) - Challenges facing SMEs in logistics today

(11:50) - Talent shortages, ageing workforce, and attracting new people

(14:33) - Changing the narrative of logistics as a profession

(18:49) - The role of AI and technology in logistics careers

(22:14) - How CILT supports education and professional development

(24:39) - Systems thinking and understanding the end-to-end supply chain

(27:27) - Advice for young people considering a career in logistics

(29:02) - The importance of mentorship and professional networks

(30:25) - Magic wand question: connecting the logistics profession

CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST:

Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/  

Helen Hardy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helendelandro/ 

CONNECT WITH FLOX:

Website: https://www.flox.is/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/

Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/services/marketplace/ 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Helen Hardy has spent her career championing professionalism and development across the logistics and transport sector. As CEO of CILT, she's at the forefront of efforts to reshape how the industry attracts talent, supports diversity, and prepares for the future. In this episode, she shares what's working, what's not, and why the conversation around talent needs to change.

#ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #WomenInLogistics #Leadership