ZLOG graduate wins the 2014 CSCMP Emerging Leader Award

The CSCMP Emerging Leader Award recognizes outstanding young professionals in supply chain management and logistics for their contributions to and future influence on these two industries.

This year 2014, it went to Susan Conley, ZLOG graduate, now program specialist at Caterpillar Inc.

In fact it was a friend who initially told her about the nomination: “A friend and mentor originally approached me about applying. Ever since I filled out the application I knew I was being nominated, but my sponsor wrote the letter of recommendation to accompany my application.”

Moreover, she hadn’t expected to be nominated at all, “I was really honored. I tend to get lost in daily work and I often feel like I’m “just doing my job,” so part of me was really surprised that I was even nominated. There are so many incredible young professionals out there- I was truly thrilled to be recognized as one of them.”

Her advice to other young SCM professionals begins with two powerful words: “DIG IN”.

“In my first few years of work, I had the opportunity to supervise in a distribution center, plan and manage a warehouse rearrangement, and help implement a new ERP system at our pilot facility. While the work was demanding and not always glamorous, I learned first-hand about the logistic business, which has helped me tremendously.”

Susan, together with the other nominee Michelle were recognized on stage at the opening session and featured as panelist on the Young Professionals Track.

She says: “Since it was my first conference, I found myself a little overwhelmed at times, but I was so inspired to be surrounded by such passionate and successful supply chain professionals. For me, it was a huge growth opportunity, and I hope to take the lessons I learned from the conference and sessions and apply them to my career and professional development.”