Raziel Bravo is a Supply Chain Management professional with over 25 years of experience. Her diverse background emerged from various roles in the 3PL industry. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of the Strategic Management Office at GEODIS. Her academic journey is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. She was born and raised in the Philippines, where she completed her undergraduate studies and earned a double major in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She furthered her education with an MBA, until recently earning a doctorate from Georgia State University. She continues her research on supply chain transformation. She is also an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Dr. Bravo shared her professional trajectory, the secret mantra behind her success, insights on gender equality and inclusion, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Dr. Bravo. Please tell us about your background and areas of interest.
My career immediately shifted to the Supply Chain Industry 25 years ago, despite completing an undergraduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management. My interest in foreign cultures prompted that choice. However, my professional life took a turn when I was hired as a desk-level employee at one of the multinational 3PL (Third-party logistics) firms. This was at the time of the manufacturing and production surge in Asia and the rise of offshoring, that it offered me an opportunity for a career path within the industry. My previous employer allowed me to complete my master’s degree. I moved from various sales and marketing-related functions that another employer gave me the privilege to further my professional advancement in the United States in 2007. A few years later, I was recruited by my current employer, with whom I had the chance to diversify my knowledge in the industry. I handled functions in solutions and implementation, process development, product development, and my current role in strategic management. The shift into the role allowed me to pursue a long-term goal of completing a doctorate in 2023. With the global nature of the industry, I was able to work with professionals from different parts of the world with whom I have kept in contact. Some of them willingly participate in industry-related research I publish in academic and business publications. Along with my current job, I am an adjunct professor of supply chain management to fulfill my passion for teaching and mentoring. This is my way of giving back to the industry that gave me an opportunity to accomplish goals and aspirations in my personal and professional life.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I pride myself on being a lifelong learner. My role allows me to read and study the market, conduct research, and design and implement strategic initiatives for our organization. I also get to learn by engaging with some of the smartest people within and outside the industry. Since this is a dynamic industry, change is inevitable. With this change, I keep learning. With learning, I fulfill my passion.
What market trends and technologies are impacting your industry, and how do you leverage them?
Like all other industries, automation is at the forefront of innovation in ours. We help customers achieve agility, resilience, and sustainability in their supply chains. However, supply chains have various segments. To do so, we leverage technology to service those segments. We adopt new technologies and continue to enhance currently available technologies to better serve our customers.
You were recently recognized as one of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Tennessee for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
I do not believe there is a proven secret to anyone’s success. Hard work and dedication to your craft can give any individual opportunities—regardless of race, gender, or belief. I was fortunate to have mentors who guided my career. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in you for you to believe in yourself. I remain grateful for those who have given me a chance to prove myself. I have made more than one mistake, I have fallen several times over but I rise up stronger each time I fall.
What are your thoughts on gender equality and inclusion? Do you think there is a gender bias in your industry?
This industry started as a male-dominated industry. It continuously evolves, allowing impartial opportunities for everyone. Most companies in this industry have taken initiatives to ensure diversity, equality, and inclusion in their organizations.
What is your favorite quote?
My late father was a very competitive person. However, he refused to compare himself to others. I overheard him tell my mother not to look at other people because “your best competition is yourself.” After hearing that, I took it to heart to always continue to work hard to exceed my expectations of myself.
What is one accomplishment you’re proud of?
Despite my professional success and obtaining the highest degree in education, my greatest accomplishment is raising four siblings at an early age in a third-world country when my father passed away and seeing their accomplishments in their careers and personal lives is where I find most pride.
What drives you? How do you measure personal success?
I need to keep proving myself. This drives me to find the next best thing and try to achieve it. Every achievement is a measure of success.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I will continue working in this industry—it might be in a different capacity, but being in the industry is now part of my DNA. Despite several attempts to get out, it keeps pulling you back. I will continue teaching and writing to impart knowledge and share experience. Most of all, I will pursue my advocacy to help abused women and children in the Philippines, where I was born and raised.
One piece of advice you would like to give to aspiring professionals from your industry.
I have always said it is not for the faint of heart. It requires tenacity and courage, the ability to keep learning and evolving with its dynamism and continuous evolution, the need to be more adaptable to situations, and the belief that failures are pillars of success.