Is International Experience Relevant For Supply Chain Work?

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Here's the question posed by Spend Matters to Subhash Segireddy, who works on supply chain network design at Cisco.

"You’ve worked with a number of international, multicultural teams, and this applies to other “30 Under 30” [ISM/Thomasnet.com 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars Recognition Program] winners, as well. Pretty much any field can claim “international experience” as a plus, but do you think it is especially relevant for supply chain? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned by working on multicultural teams?"

Here's what Segireddy says:

Supply chain organizations are usually global, and being aware of cultural differences is very critical. A simple example is understanding the stories behind the holidays across different cultures. Working in global teams helped me bridge cultural differences and deliver results. The biggest lesson [I’ve learned is] that no two individuals are the same, especially if they are from different cultures. Being aware of this has helped me strengthen my leadership, problem solving and communication skills.

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