Les femmes dans la chaîne d’approvisionnement : Le parcours de Jenny Perlitch, de la résilience à la réussite commerciale
Jenny Perlitch, CEO of Perlitch Transport , joins Sarah Barnes-Humphrey on the Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast to share her journey as a pioneer for women in supply chain. As an asset-based transportation company leader and TMS software developer , she discusses the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the future of the industry.
As she recounts in this podcast, Jenny recalls the challenge of immigrating not once, but twice, leaving behind everything familiar and adapting to a new place each time. Each transition involved navigating a different language, culture, and way of life. Rather than letting these obstacles stop her , Jenny approached them with resilience. She learned to adapt, became independent, and realized there was nothing she couldn’t face.
Immigrating twice comes with many challenges, but for Jenny, these experiences have helped develop the resilience that has made her the strong-willed woman she is today.
“I learned resilience and adaptability, which really helped me in the business world,” she said. “It made me independent and believed that things could be done.”
From IT to Supply Chain: Problem Solving Jenny’s Way
While many may not see the connection between IT and supply chain management, Jenny’s experience shows that problem-solving skills can transcend industries. “It’s a way of thinking,” Jenny says of her transition. “You take something complex, break it down, automate the pieces, and then put it back together like a beautiful puzzle.”
This analytical mindset has been instrumental in her role as a leader and entrepreneur in the transportation industry, including the founding of Perlitch Transport in 2011. With IRT Technologies , a company she co-founded the same year, Jenny’s approach has revolutionized the way companies address logistics challenges.
A summer job that turned into a lifelong career
It all started with a summer job. Jenny’s fascination with supply chain management began when she realized how much she loved the challenges it presented. By stepping outside her comfort zone and solving problems, she discovered a true talent for the industry. The summer job turned into a lifelong career, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Starting two businesses at the same time
In 2011, Jenny not only co-founded IRT Technologies, but she also launched Perlitch Transport . Juggling two businesses at once was no small feat, but Jenny took it all in stride. When asked why she took on such a daunting challenge, her answer is simple: “I was single: I was single, I had to do something!”
Leading with your strengths (and owning your weaknesses)
As a founder and CEO, Jenny loves the strategic side of business. She’s always experimenting, measuring results, and finding what works best. But like all leaders, she’s not afraid to admit her shortcomings. “I’m very fast-paced and sometimes I lack patience ,” she says. But instead of letting it hold her back, Jenny embraces her weaknesses by building a strong team around her and giving them the tools to shine.
Meeting the Challenges: A Woman’s Perspective in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in the supply chain and transportation industry , Jenny has faced her share of challenges, from being ignored to having her ideas dismissed. “It’s a male-dominated industry,” she says. “Initially, if I had a good idea, I would be brushed aside. They wouldn’t take me seriously… Eventually, your voice gets low and apologetic.”
But rather than succumb to frustration, Jenny chose to move forward. She found new doors to open and never stopped fighting for her voice to be heard. “At that point, you have to rebuild yourself and try another door ,” she said.
Her determination to succeed has inspired many others to break down barriers and take their place at the table, regardless of their gender or background.
Want to know more?
Jenny’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of supporting diversity in business. To learn more about her inspiring career and get her tips for breaking barriers in the transportation industry, check out the full podcast episode.