LeadershipSupply Chain

Supply Chain LIVE - US Summit 2026 | Linda Reddy, Linda Reddy Inc on Winning the Invisible Games

SupplyChainDigital
SupplyChainDigital•May 7, 2026

Why It Matters

Understanding the invisible games enables firms to develop diverse supply‑chain leaders and transform a cost center into a strategic profit driver.

Key Takeaways

  • •Be visible: actively share results and business impact.
  • •Distinguish sponsors who advocate from mentors who guide.
  • •Cultivate multiple sponsors, not just a single champion.
  • •Translate supply chain metrics into revenue and value language.
  • •Reframe cost‑center achievements as drivers of sales growth.

Summary

The video features Linda Reddy, a global supply‑chain executive, discussing the “invisible games” that shape career advancement for women in supply‑chain environments.

She stresses the importance of visibility—publicly sharing results and business impact—and clarifies the difference between mentors (who guide) and sponsors (who advocate), urging professionals to build multiple sponsorships rather than rely on a single champion. Beyond KPIs, relationships, reputation, and behind‑the‑scenes decisions drive progression.

Reddy illustrates her point with a quote: “I’m glad we got X product on time because it boosted sales 5%,” showing how to link cost‑center achievements to revenue growth. She advises supply‑chain leaders to speak the language of value and revenue, not just cost.

Recognizing and mastering these invisible dynamics can elevate supply chain from a back‑office function to a strategic growth engine, improving talent retention and fostering diverse leadership pipelines.

Original Description

BizClik attended Supply Chain LIVE - US Summit 2026 in Chicago to speak with Linda Reddy on the "Invisible Games" of corporate success and elevating supply chain's role in the C-suite.
As a global supply chain executive and dedicated advocate for women in industry, Linda Reddy brings decades of experience in navigating male-dominated corporate environments. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between operational excellence and strategic leadership, helping professionals transition from "back-office" managers to influential business leaders.
In this conversation, Linda pulls back the curtain on the "Invisible Games"—the critical corporate systems that exist beyond KPIs, scorecards, and performance reviews. She explains that while delivering results is the baseline, true career progression depends on managing your reputation, understanding the narrative being told about you behind closed doors, and mastering the unspoken rules of corporate politics.
Linda highlights the common mistake of confusing mentorship with sponsorship, noting that while a mentor guides you, a sponsor is the one fighting for you in rooms where you aren't present. She argues that relying solely on hard work is a "formula" that eventually breaks down at higher levels of management, necessitating a shift toward strategic visibility.
Finally, the discussion turns to the repositioning of the supply chain function itself. Linda provides a masterclass in shifting the narrative from cost and logistics to revenue and value. By speaking the "language of the business," supply chain professionals can prove their direct impact on company growth and secure their seat at the leadership table.
Key Takeaways
• The Performance Trap: Hard work and results are necessary, but they are rarely enough on their own to reach the C-suite; you must actively manage your own narrative.
• Mentors vs. Sponsors: Learn why you need a sponsor who will advocate for you in closed-door sessions rather than just a mentor who provides advice.
• The Invisible System: Success is often determined by your relationships and your reputation—the "Invisible Game" played outside of formal KPIs.
• Speaking the Language of Revenue: To move from back-office to front-of-mind, supply chain leaders must frame their achievements in terms of business growth and sales impact.
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