In Leadership & Strategy•October 7, 2025

The Q&A Every Future Leader Should Read

From core values and best practices in supply chain management, to career advice for rising talent and intercultural communication, to DEI in leadership. Ana-Maria, Founder and Director of Green Apples®, shares her expertise in procurement, leadership and mentoring.We recently launched a spontaneous and insightful video series, Ask Me Anything, with Ana-Maria answering surprise questions on the spot. Now, all her expert authentic insights are here in one place, in written form.Whether you missed the series or prefer reading in your own time, here is the full Q&A to let yourself be inspired.Disclaimer: Please note the interview responses have been slightly edited for clarity and conciseness, while preserving the intent and message of the original answers.

“Leaders must act swiftly and creatively while identifying and mitigating risks.”

Sustainable Procurement Leadership

What mindset shift do supply chain leaders need today to stay relevant with supply chain issues?

(From Solène Le Digabel, Commercial Business Partner at the UK Department for Business and Trade https://www.linkedin.com/in/solenepeneau/) Ana-Maria Velica: I would focus on two main aspects: ethical leadership and risk appetite. In today’s world, we face unprecedented challenges in supply chains, often referred to as black swan events, characterised by once in a lifetime disaster. Leaders must act swiftly and creatively while identifying and mitigating risks. It is equally important for them to make the right decisions, which requires ethical leadership. We often see examples of dominant leadership in the news, but I believe that combining these two attributes—ethical and risk-aware leadership—will enable supply chain leaders to perform well in their careers.I've encountered supply chain leaders who, unfortunately, don't want to face the reality when the supply chain is broken. There could be serious risks, including fraud and child labour, that must be confronted. This acknowledgement requires a great deal of courage and a willingness to look in the mirror and face the truth.

“Centralisation helps organisations become more efficient.”

What’s your view on the centralised supply chain model?

(From Amy Xue, Head of Supply Chain https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-xue-70288267/) A:  Depending on the maturity of companies, industries, and procurement practices, it's essential to have centralised functions. Why is this important? Centralisation helps organisations become more efficient, reduces the duplication of efforts, and allows for better management of global operations, especially for global companies. We are currently seeing organisations focus on merely purchasing more, but it is crucial to buy better, in a more sustainable, ethical, and smarter way that complies with emerging regulations. As regulations increase, there is a heightened emphasis on doing the right thing and mitigating reputational risks. Therefore, companies need a centralised hub for knowledge sharing and the implementation of best practices.

“Supply chain management often involves disruptions, product recalls. Therefore, courage should be a core value in this field.”

What core values shape your approach to supply chain, risk, resilience, and sustainability during unpredictable times?

(From Loris Democrito, Data Analyst https://www.linkedin.com/in/loris-democrito-577265a2/) A: What has shaped my career in supply chain is a lesson I strive to pass on to the next generation: the courage required to deliver bad news. Supply chain management often involves unexpected challenges, such as disruptions, product recalls. Therefore, courage should be a core value in this field, and I believe I was born with a strong sense of it.Second is integrity, and we are seeing more and more unethical behaviours in the supply chain to bring in stock and keep shelves stocked. No, it’s wrong. You need to have integrity to do the right things, to eliminate child labour from your supply chain. Integrity is part of my DNA, and I think it’s something that more supply chain leaders need to display. The third and most personal aspect that has profoundly influenced my career is the importance of genuine connections. I cannot welcome anyone in my circle of clients, or mentees, if there isn’t a genuine connection. I believe that genuine relationships enable supply chain leaders to be authentic, promote the right talent, and excel in managing supplier relationships.

Are DEI policies in the U.S. influencing companies in Europe?

(From Daria Khitsenko, Program Operations Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/daria-khitsenko/)  A: I see diversity being embraced as a matter of ethics. Companies are moving beyond merely ticking boxes for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their supply chains. Instead, they are focusing on doing what is right based on the feedback from their employees. So, definitely what we are whitnessing (a.n.: in the USA) is not ethical leadership and ethical companies. One of my clients is actively working on accelerating improvements in gender diversity, as well as diversity in backgrounds and knowledge. I believe that companies that are committed to doing the right thing will continue to act ethically, regardless of external pressures.

“It's crucial for supply chain leaders to foster the inclusion of women in talent management.”

What advice would you give to supply chain leaders who are just beginning their DEI journey?

(From Sarah Robbins, Senior Procurement Director https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrobbins137/) A: Diversity remains important and relevant in the supply chain industry. It has historically been a male-dominated field, so I think it's crucial for supply chain leaders to foster the inclusion of women in talent management. Additionally, acknowledging personality, diversity of thought, background, and knowledge. Therefore, I believe that promoting diversity is more relevant than ever in supply chain leadership teams.

“Developing emotional intelligence is essential for anyone who aims to mentor or support clients and grow a business with international partners.”

What is the importance of effective intercultural communication when shaping business partnerships?

(From Giovanni Leonardi, Program and Project Manager  https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannileonardi1/)A:  Currently, I am helping and working with a British-Turkish client, based in Turkey, where language can be a barrier. So, to create effective cross-cultural mentorship and bring out the best in people, you need to have patience to meet your client at their level of English. I think it’s easier as I’m not a native English speaker. Turkish people are not native speakers, so we both need to meet at the standard we are at. Cross-cultural effective communication involves a lot of empathy. For example, I was born with certain privileges, and when I work with a client based in Turkey, I still need to employ that empathy. Back in time when I grew up in communist times, I was forced to stop dreaming. Understanding Turkey is still under a certain regime and cultural context reinforces the necessity of empathy in my interactions. I believe that developing emotional intelligence is essential for anyone who aims to mentor or support clients and grow a business with international partners.

“A career in supply chain management could be incredibly rewarding.”

What advice would you give someone just starting out in their career?

(From Ann Daly, Global Media & Marketing Procurement Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/andaly1/) A: This is a big question! If you are truly passionate about doing the right thing, being available, forecasting, and diligently practicing problem-solving, then a career in supply chain management could be incredibly rewarding. This field allows you to develop both soft and hard skills, making it one of the best career paths you could choose.  We are seeing companies partnering with universities to promote the importance of supply chain management. It offers amazing job opportunities and an amazing career. In this field, you can engage in various roles, including strategic procurement, analytical demand planning, supply chain risk management, talent management, and even human resources within the supply chain. This article was first published in Green Apples® Tips Newsletter, in August 2025.  Author: Corina Stoicescu, Strategic Communications Partner, Seasoned Journalist; LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/corinastoicescu

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