Q&A: Radial SVP Shauna Bowen on Supply Chain Inclusivity

As the retail industry enters its peak season, supply chains face mounting pressure to maintain stability, reliability, and operational efficiency. However, promoting gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector is equally crucial for success.

Although female representation in supply chain roles has reached unprecedented levels, the industry must prioritise elevating diverse groups that drive the retail sector and assist brands in timely order fulfilment.

In this Q&A, Shauna Bowen, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Radial, shares insights from her supply chain career and emphasises the significance of mentoring emerging female professionals in the field.

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your role?

As the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Radial, I bring our strategic vision of Click to Delivery to life.

My focus is on driving innovation and transformation across the organisation. I joined the team with an extensive background in logistics, retail supply chain, store operations, e-commerce and merchandising, having held previous roles at major retailers.  

The roles and positions I have held have allowed me to leverage my background in engineering. My engineering knowledge has taught me the importance of systematically approaching problems and focusing on validating assumptions rather than jumping to solutions.  

For those unfamiliar with Radial, what are the company's main activities? 

Radial is a leader in the retail industry, offering third-party logistics (3PL) solutions that span beyond traditional fulfilment. Our integrated services include payment, fraud detection and omnichannel solutions tailored for mid-market and enterprise brands.

With more than three decades of expertise, we equip brands to overcome common e-commerce hurdles, from ensuring safe online transactions to scaling operations dynamically.

Our commitment extends beyond just logistics; putting our clients and their customers at the forefront of all we do, we aim to deliver a seamless, secure and superior e-commerce experience from the initial click right through to delivery. This empowers brands to confidently navigate the dynamic digital landscape while ensuring customer satisfaction. 

What progress have you seen in terms of female visibility in supply chain over the past 20 years?  

When I first entered this field, it was unusual to see women in logistics, engineering or the broader supply chain. I was often one of very few women in rooms filled predominantly with men. For instance, in my engineering degree, I was the only woman in a graduating class of 100. That experience has always driven me to make my work the defining feature of my career, rather than being defined by my gender. Today, we’re seeing more women across all levels of supply chain management, bringing expertise, diverse viewpoints and innovative solutions to the table. 

There’s strength in numbers now, lessening the “token” experience that many of us initially battled. When more women are in the room, the focus is put on our work, our ideas, and our contributions, rather than our gender. Ultimately, the goal is for women to be recognized in this field simply as supply chain professionals, not “female supply chain professionals,” and I believe we’re making progress. 

What tips do you have for supply chain leaders looking to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces? 

Leaders have the important responsibility – and unique opportunity – to build the kind of inclusive workplace where diverse talent thrives. I believe an important starting point for this journey is through mentorship.

When leaders mentor talent from underrepresented groups, they actively help build the confidence and skill set of the next generation. I’ve seen this in my own experience coaching young women’s soccer, where the shift in their performance once they begin to feel genuinely supported and capable is remarkable. The difference in their playing is night and day.

The same is true in the workplace, where unlocking an employee’s confidence does astounding things for their work, transforming their potential.  

How does having a more diverse workforce drive business value? 

In the supply chain industry, where every day presents a new challenge, innovation is key to advancement. A diverse workforce unlocks a broader scope of perspectives and this diversity of thought directly feeds into innovation.  

It’s not just about meeting diversity requirements, it’s about recognising inclusivity as a catalyst for the breakthroughs that keep industries like ours progressing. The wider the lens through which we view challenges, the more innovative and impactful the solutions we develop.  

What advice do you have for female professionals looking to make their way in the supply chain space? 

Confidence is our most valuable asset, especially in an industry where women are often still underrepresented. Imposter syndrome is inevitable at some point in your career, especially when you’re one of very few women in the room. But it’s important to remember that every role you’ve gotten or promotion you’ve received is a true testament to your capability. If you’re there, you’ve earned it. 

My advice would be to stand firm in your value. Take on the roles that challenge you and don’t question it. Know that there’s a place for you in this field, not only to contribute, but as a leader. 

How crucial is mentorship when it comes to nurturing the next generation of female supply chain professionals? 

Mentorship is foundational for building our future leaders. What’s so powerful about mentorship is the compounding effect. When one person lifts up 10 others, and each of them impacts 10 more, suddenly you’re affecting 100 lives with major value added. 

If everyone could see the value of mentorship from this perspective, just think about how much change collectively we could make. Companies with strong mentorship cultures often see better retention and a greater sense of meaning in their work. It makes smart business sense to bring these voices to the table hear them out – it’s a win-win across the board.  

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