On April 3, 2025, the UWEBC hosted a Supply Chain Peer Group event that brought together professionals from member companies to discuss how the supply chain talent landscape is changing and what companies are doing to keep up. Led by UWEBC Supply Chain Practice Director Jenny Patzlaff, this session focused on practical strategies for upskilling employees and retaining top talent in a competitive field.
The event kicked off with a spotlight panel featuring two UWEBC member companies. John Payne, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Stoughton Trailers, and Lindsay Barnes, Senior HR Manager at Uline, shared how their companies approach talent development from the inside out. They highlighted real programs and offered tips on supporting career growth and long-term retention.
John Payne discussed the importance of aligning talent efforts with business strategy. At Stoughton Trailers, they’re building clear pathways for supply chain professionals through mentorship, internal mobility, and hands-on learning. He stressed that companies must make talent planning part of their big-picture decision-making, not just an afterthought.
Lindsay Barnes shared how Uline creates a “growth culture” by investing in leadership training and encouraging close collaboration between HR and supply chain teams. She emphasized the power of feedback loops and rotational programs to help spot and support high-potential employees.
After the panel, Chelsy Cegielski from UW–Madison’s Interdisciplinary Professional Programs presented the importance of continuous learning in supply chain roles. She pointed out that one-off training sessions aren’t enough in a fast-moving environment—ongoing development is key. She even cited a LinkedIn study showing that 94% of employees said they’d stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning.
Chelsy also encouraged companies to combine technical and soft skills, such as communication and collaboration. She urged companies to create flexible, role-specific learning opportunities that focus on outcomes, like leadership readiness, not just participation rates.
The event wrapped up with breakout discussions, where attendees had the chance to connect and further share ideas around topics like organizational structure, career movement, and talent retention. These conversations were a great way for participants to learn from fellow leading companies and take away new perspectives they could bring back to their teams.
UWEBC members can view the full event recording and download slides from the event here.
Published May 7, 2025
Dylan Kopf, Marketing Student Assistant