Jackie Watt didn’t plan on a career in supply chain and procurement. After graduating with two degrees in Marketing, she thought her first full-time job would be in her field of study. But someone saw strengths in her that led to an unexpected – but highly satisfying – career in automotive supply chain. Now, as Vice President of Automotive Supply Chain at Bose, Jackie has a role she loves because “no two days are ever the same.”
Creative problem-solving is a sought-after skill
What is your favorite part of your job? What is the most challenging?
My favorite part and the most challenging part are probably the same – which is that no two days are the same. Supply chain in automotive is exciting, dynamic, and there is never a dull moment.
I didn’t expect so much need for creativity to solve problems, but it’s the number one skill I look for in team members. There is no playbook for how to do your job, and you never know what’s going to come at you on a given day. When something has never happened before, the team has to creatively find ways to solve those problems.
Even though we recognize the importance of our work, we also have fun. We come up with crazy and wonderful ideas that at first might seem like things we wouldn’t implement, but usually a solution comes from one of those ideas.
A network of mentors, instead of just one
What do you suggest to someone who is looking for a mentor, but doesn’t know where to start?
Early in my career, I was assigned a mentor, but it didn’t feel right for me. I realized that there isn’t one individual who can help me with everything I will experience in my career. Instead, I need a network of mentors – people I have a natural connection with and who I feel comfortable talking to.
At the end of the day, after getting other peoples’ opinions, it was up to me – not a single mentor – to make decisions.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be part of a formal program. I encourage people not to put pressure on themselves. Instead, find natural connections, and people will be happy to provide advice, hear what you’re going through, and share their career experiences. People will most likely be flattered. I always am when people come to me.
An unexpected pivot from marketing to supply chain
What pivotal moment in your career led you in a new direction by saying “yes?”
Early in my career, after completing two degrees in marketing, I applied for my first full-time position in marketing. After a lot of great conversations with one company, they called me back and asked, “Jackie, we’d like to talk to you more, but it’s not for a role in marketing. It’s in supply chain and procurement. Would you be interested?”
I didn’t know much about supply chain, but I was interested in why they thought it was a good fit. They were looking for someone with strong business acumen and communications skills and, in getting to know me, they felt like it would be a great fit.
While they were natural skills for me, I had never thought about the long-term role they could play in my career. I said, “Let’s give it a shot. What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Now I have been in supply chain and procurement for my whole career. I should probably write them a thank you note for guiding me in the right direction.
Let’s give it a shot. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Find your way into confidence
Forté uses the hashtag, #morewomenleading. How important is this to your industry?
It’s so important because automotive is very male-dominated and supply chain can be, too. As the only woman in the room at times, I was scared to speak, didn’t want to interrupt, and felt uncomfortable.
I had to figure out how to bring my confidence to those situations, and using data and facts was my way into feeling strong in my purpose for being there. It’s hard to argue with data and facts, so it’s important to do the hard work and prepare. People will listen to a very solid story.
We need more women leading, so find a way to participate, not feel intimidated, and have your voice heard in those rooms.