Jess Isenberg is currently the Senior Manager of Global Production at Smartwool, a VF Company. She helps lead her team in risk mitigation and supply chain strategy so Smartwool continues to grow their business in natural performance products with the right set of partners. Isenberg believes the key to a successful team is the ability to think cross-functionally, especially given the continued effects on supply chain from the pandemic.
Isenberg knew that supply chain was the field for her when she realized how much problem-solving was needed to be successful in the industry. Supply chain professionals are tasked with seeking ways to continuously improve productivity, sustainability and functionality—and the place that opened Isenberg’s eyes to the engaging challenges of supply chain was none other than the Smeal College of Business.
“As I started my career, I felt very well equipped for the work environment, thanks to Smeal,” Isenberg shared. “I also loved being a part of a business fraternity where I was able to meet others in my major that I could collaborate with and still keep in touch with to this day.”
The Smeal alumnae has found that supply chain offers opportunities that are complex and unique in nature. She also sees it as a field that is ever-evolving and continues to break ground in diversity and inclusion.
“I’m really lucky to work now for a brand within VF that is led by many inspiring females; it’s been interesting to see the changes in myself in how much more empowered I feel in my job due to the representation,” she said. “At the end of the day, I just really love my work—being a woman in supply chain, I get to bring my unique strengths and viewpoints to the table to maybe solve the problem a little differently or form a different type of relationship that may strengthen the partnership in a new way.”
Being in the supply chain field for over 10 years now, Isenberg has also learned how important mentorship is. She has consistently sought out mentors at each step of her career, scheduling quarterly touch-bases to catch up and ask questions.
And this isn’t her only piece of advice—Isenberg encourages all professionals to find a company that aligns with one’s values, needs and passions.
“It makes the job more enjoyable when you’re passionate about the product; try to learn what you can about the business outside of the numbers in the spreadsheet – attend seminars, tradeshows, sales meetings, or whatever is offered in your industry to more intimately understand the products you’re planning for or dealing with!” she shared. “For example, for me, it provides more meaning to plan for a Smartwool hike sock that has certain athletic features versus just seeing it as ‘style number SW001800’.”
This Senior Manager hopes that more and more young supply chain students enter the field, including women who may often feel underrepresented in the STEM field. As she has found within her company, it is representation that can make the biggest impact in inspiring future leaders.
“Careers in the STEM field have been lacking women because it’s not highlighted as a traditional career path for women. Why aren’t there more movies featuring a woman in a corporate career who isn’t super bossy or working in fashion?” Isenberg summarized. “I hope articles like this and the work that Smeal is doing can start to change the perception!”