Alumni Success Story: Carlos Roberto Mira, ZLOGb´18 Alumni and Regional Director of Operational Excellence Digitalization Projects Warehouse and Transportation at Bayer.
“I have many memorable experiences from both Boston and Zaragoza. One of the highlights was my time with my schoolmates; we were the first cohort to include students from the Blended program, and I believe that mix created a truly engaged and dynamic classroom environment.“
With over 13 years of experience in managing supply chains across various industries, Carlos Mira is a graduate of the first promotion of the blended format of the MIT Zaragoza Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ZLOGb). Currently serving as the Regional Director of Operational Excellence Digitalization Projects Warehouse and Transportation at Bayer in the United States, his journey from El Salvador to becoming a key player in the pharmaceutical sector is truly inspiring.
Can you tell us about your career path and how you became a Regional Director of Projects, Digitalization & Operational Excellence at Bayer?
I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across a variety of industries and processes within the Supply Chain, which has allowed me to develop a well-rounded perspective. My career journey began in FMCG and has since spanned Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Retail, and now Pharmaceuticals. Each of these sectors presents its own unique challenges, dynamics, and pace. Throughout this journey, understanding the Supply Chain from a holistic viewpoint has been invaluable, as it has helped me recognize how my role and actions impact others. Continuous self-learning has been essential to my growth, offering me deeper insights across various areas and enhancing my skill set to effectively address new challenges.
What specific skills or knowledge from the ZLOGb program do you find most valuable in your day-to-day work?
Supply Chain Technology has been instrumental in helping me understand the various systems that can optimize operations, allowing me to adapt quickly to this dynamic environment. Additionally, studying System Dynamics and Supply Chain Strategy has deepened my ability to identify relationships and understand the impacts between different processes and key players within the Supply Chain. This holistic perspective is essential for making the best decisions and avoiding the pitfall of local solutions that may not align with broader, global objectives. In terms of skills, I consider Leadership, Communication, and Decision-Making to be the most critical in my career. Effective information flow is vital in Supply Chain, and when the team is motivated, engaged, and aligned toward common goals, the results are significantly better.
How has your international experience, including studying and working in different countries, influenced your professional and personal growth?
My international experience has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. I had the opportunity to live and work abroad for the first time at age 24, which significantly shaped my adaptability and resilience. It enhanced my emotional intelligence and fostered a growth mindset, allowing me to approach new environments and challenges with an open and proactive attitude. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures has further strengthened my ability to listen actively, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively across different contexts. These experiences have not only expanded my global perspective but have also equipped me with valuable skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Do you have any memorable experiences or stories from your time in Boston or Zaragoza that you would like to share?
Yes, I have many memorable experiences from both Boston and Zaragoza. One of the highlights was my time with my schoolmates; we were the first cohort to include students from the Blended program, and I believe that mix created a truly engaged and dynamic classroom environment. I met some incredible people, many of whom I now consider close friends, and I learned a great deal from the diverse perspectives they brought to our discussions. The first few weeks in Boston were also unforgettable. I particularly enjoyed interacting with fellow MIT SCALE students. Collaborating with people who shared common interests but came from such varied backgrounds and experiences was both inspiring and eye-opening. It was a remarkable opportunity to learn from others while also contributing my own insights. One particularly memorable experience was assisting my classmates during the Fresh Connection Challenge and witnessing their reactions as the game evolved. Having previously participated in the Global Competition, I was able to bring a unique perspective to the table, helping to enhance their understanding of the game and guiding them through key decision-making moments
What unique challenges and opportunities do you see in managing supply chains within the pharmaceutical industry?
In terms of opportunities, the pharmaceutical industry has significant potential to become faster, leaner, and more efficient across various processes. Digitalization offers a key opportunity to enhance transparency throughout the value chain, providing real-time insights and improving collaboration among stakeholders. On the challenge side, the strict regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry can slow down processes compared to sectors like retail or FMCG. Additionally, the industry is more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, which requires resilient and flexible systems. Furthermore, the growing trend of personalized treatments presents a challenge by requiring more customized supply chains to ensure that products are safely and accurately delivered to each patient
Bayer has recently moved from a reactive to a proactive supply chain strategy, incorporating smart data centers and advanced analytics. How has this transformation impacted your role and the overall efficiency of Bayer’s supply chain?
The shift towards a proactive supply chain strategy at Bayer, with a focus on streamlining system complexities and enhancing our digital capabilities, has had a significant impact on both my role and the overall efficiency of the supply chain. By incorporating advanced analytics and modern supply chain platforms, we can now provide more robust functionalities, derive deeper insights from the data, and improve transparency across the entire supply chain. This transformation has enabled us to make more informed, data-driven decisions and improve responsiveness, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of our operations.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MIT Zaragoza Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain?
Completing the MIT Zaragoza Master of Engineering in Logistics and Supply Chain was a pivotal step in my career, and I highly recommend the program. For me, it was especially advantageous as I was able to leverage my MITx MicroMaster to receive six months of credit. I always encourage ambitious, eager-to-learn individuals to start with the MicroMaster, as it provides a great foundation, and then, if interested, they can explore the option of completing the full Master’s at one of the various partner institutions. The quality of the faculty in Zaragoza, the strategic location, the strong alumni network, and the career opportunities that follow make this program an excellent choice for anyone considering a future in supply chain management.
