Transforming business through supply-chain understanding

by Nikki Pava, TFI’s newest consultant

Quite a few years ago I had the pleasure of living in Europe, Asia, and the United Arab Emirates. My work took me to the offices and boardrooms of some of the largest companies in the world, many with annual revenues larger than those of some countries.

Each day I interviewed managing directors and presidents about their company policies and economic outlook. Often, I was greatly impressed with their overall vision and their ability to lead large groups of people toward a common goal. However, in many cases I was disheartened at the responses from these business leaders when I asked about their company’s manufacturing policies — particularly the social and environmental elements. During the course of these visits, I also toured the factories, met with some of the workers, and analyzed the network of distributors, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers that helped bring their products to market. Some companies implemented impeccable processes. Sadly, I also witnessed subpar standards that had me question many of these companies’ practices.

It was then that I realized that the best way for the world to change was for business to change. As a result, I began to direct all of my efforts and energy to create awareness for more sustainable business practices, including supply chains.

Since the days of my global CEO meetings and factory tours, I completed an MBA at the Presidio School of Management, a traditional business school that threads sustainable values into every aspect of the curriculum. Additionally, three years ago I co-founded a company called EcoTuesday, which brings sustainable business leaders together in cities across the USA. I now am honored to work with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations by developing strategic plans and coordinating teams to reach specific, measurable goals. It’s great meeting more and more of TFI’s clients and witnessing their clear understanding between sustainable supply-chain practices and robust company performance.

My international business experience and the formal education I received at the Presidio have provided me with the tools needed to help TFI clients transform their businesses by increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and saving money within all points of their supply chains. I look forward to using my skills and insights to support our clients in being financially successful and highly competitive in their industries. Additionally, it is important to me that all of our clients are in compliance with applicable product-and-manufacturing regulations and that all of their stakeholders are in alignment with the company’s vision.

Do you believe any business could truly transform without a thorough examination of its own supply chain? (Please reply at the bottom of the blog.)

Posted by Pamela J. Gordon, February 12th, 2010