The Supply Chain Queen's Gender Parity Playbook

Women represent 40% of the supply chain workforce, but achieving senior leadership parity may take another 48 years at present rates – a sobering statistic that highlights the urgent need for systemic change in how organisations approach diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sheri R. Hinish, the 'Supply Chain Queen', confronts this reality directly in her blog post "5 Leadership Essentials No One Tells You: The Playbook for Women in Supply Chain".

Building on insights from her presentation at a women's leadership summit, Sheri outlines non-technical capabilities designed to address gender disparities and create equitable pathways forward within complex organisational environments.

These fundamental principles equip women to navigate workplace inequities, challenge exclusionary power dynamics, secure advocacy and build sustainable careers whilst maintaining authentic professional identities.

Navigating power and influence disparities

Organisations operate as social ecosystems that extend beyond official organisational charts, yet women often face exclusion from informal networks where actual power resides.

Sheri emphasises the importance of assessing power structures monthly – identifying influencers, gatekeepers and decision-makers, particularly within matrixed supply chain environments where bias can be deeply embedded.

Understanding influence currencies such as expertise, relationships and vision becomes critical when women must overcome the double bind of being perceived as either competent or likeable, rarely both.

Sheri advocates for strategic framing: "Anchor in data, frame in relationships. Be competent AND warm."

Transformational leadership, an area where women demonstrate particular strength despite facing systematic undervaluation, can use phrases like "I'm curious about…" to navigate gendered expectations effectively whilst maintaining authority.

Addressing the sponsorship gap

Women experience a 54% sponsorship gap when compared to men, reflecting structural barriers that limit career advancement regardless of performance or qualifications.

Yet those who have advocates are 27% more likely to pursue salary increases, demonstrating how sponsorship directly combats pay inequity. Sheri draws a clear distinction: "Mentors ADVISE you… Sponsors ADVOCATE for you", encouraging women to make early and explicit requests for sponsorship despite workplace cultures that may discourage such advocacy. This guidance acknowledges that women often face penalties for self-promotion that men do not encounter.

With burnout impacting 50% of senior women – a rate considerably higher than their male counterparts due to additional emotional labour, microaggressions and work-life pressures – Sheri promotes building an Adaptability Quotient through micro-habits including curiosity and resilience.

She adds: "Boundaries are leadership competencies", reframing what has traditionally been dismissed as women's inability to "lean in" as essential workplace equity practice.

Creating inclusive leadership narratives

Authenticity serves as a foundation for professional power, particularly for women whose leadership styles have been historically marginalised or dismissed.

Sheri demonstrates this through her own journey, asking: "What if I owned my narrative instead of letting others write it?" This question prompted the creation of her Supply Chain Queen brand, directly challenging industry stereotypes whilst opening possibilities across both corporate and entrepreneurial trajectories.

Her approach illustrates how women can reclaim professional identity in sectors where representation remains inadequate. These interconnected essentials work together, potentially transforming systemic obstacles into opportunities for more diverse and equitable leadership within a rapidly evolving sector.

Champion for diversity advancement

Sheri most recently served as Global Consulting Leader for Sustainability, Technology and Ecosystems at EY, where she launched and scaled offerings in ESG data, decarbonisation, AI, digital infrastructure and sustainable supply chains.

Prior to EY, she led IBM's Global Sustainability Services, shaping strategies in sustainable finance, circular economy, green IT and responsible compute. Sheri operates as a trusted voice featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Economist, Forbes, ESG Today and MIT.

She hosts the Supply Chain Revolution podcast and has represented IBM and EY as an executive delegate at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), AI for Good and multiple COPs. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of Georgetown University's Graduate Supply Chain Programme and on the Board for Clean Energy and Sustainable Technology (CESAC).

As a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in sustainability and STEM, she remains committed to reshaping leadership pathways for the next generation. Her recognitions include Top 250 Leaders in Sustainability (2025) and being named a Supply Chain Leader by Supply Chain Digital (2021). 

Join Sheri at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE

Sheri has joined the line-up for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit, co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit, in Chicago taking part in a panel discussion on Sustainable Supply Chains.

The session will concentrate on integrating sustainability into supply chain operations. Panellists will examine responsible sourcing, circular practices and strategies for minimising environmental impact whilst improving efficiency.

"Supply chains can change the world," she says.

"Every product in your hand, from your phone to your coffee cup, has a story of its making. With more than 40% of the global workforce involved in supply chain activities, the potential for transformation is nearly limitless."

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit takes place on 21-22 April, bringing together senior procurement and supply chain leaders focused on innovation, strategy and transformation in their organisations.

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit, the event provides a comprehensive view of procurement and supply chain’s evolving role in driving business value and sustainability.

It will also feature the inaugural US awards, which will be presented during a black-tie gala dinner at Navy Pier, uniting the leaders driving procurement and supply chain excellence across the US and Canada.

The awards ceremony will take place following Day 1 of the US Summit.  

Early bird tickets are available now.