Leadership

The Invisible Games in Corporate Power for Supply Chain Leadership, Supply Chain | The US Summit:

SupplyChainDigital
SupplyChainDigital•May 13, 2026

Why It Matters

Understanding and mastering these invisible corporate games enables supply‑chain leaders to break out of back‑office stereotypes, secure promotions, and protect their careers in volatile organizational environments.

Key Takeaways

  • •Reframe supply‑chain role from cost center to revenue‑generating P&L function.
  • •Communicate achievements broadly; visibility beyond immediate manager drives promotion.
  • •Distinguish sponsors from mentors; secure multiple decision‑maker advocates.
  • •Map human drivers—status, safety, belonging, control, scarcity—to influence interactions.
  • •Use systematic journals and assessments to track corporate game patterns.

Summary

The presentation framed corporate politics as "invisible games" that shape career trajectories, especially for supply‑chain professionals. The speaker, a global executive with a mountaineering background, argued that two parallel systems—formal KPIs and informal networks—govern advancement, yet most leaders only teach the former. Key insights included shifting the supply‑chain narrative from a cost‑center mindset to a revenue‑generating P&L function, broadcasting results beyond one’s direct manager, and differentiating sponsors, mentors, and allies. By speaking the language of EBITDA, margin protection, and strategic impact, practitioners can secure board‑level visibility. Illustrative examples ranged from a three‑year pledge to a CEO to transform procurement into a profit‑center, to the personal anecdote of holding the Olympic flame as a metaphor for legacy. The speaker also highlighted a five‑driver model—status, safety, belonging, control, scarcity—that explains why colleagues claim credit or withhold support. The takeaway for the audience is clear: adopt board‑level terminology, make achievements visible across functions, and cultivate multiple sponsors who will champion you in high‑stakes rooms. Tools such as a three‑month journal and a corporate‑games assessment can help professionals map patterns and proactively manage their career trajectories.

Original Description

Think corporate success is just about strategy? Think again. In this compelling keynote, Linda Reddy reveals why high performance isn’t enough to reach the C-suite and how "invisible games" of power actually dictate who leads in the supply chain space.
As the Group Head of Supply Chain at Nando's and founder of Linda Reddy Inc., Linda has spent over 25 years leading massive operational transformations across 24 countries. In this session, recorded live at The US Summit 2026 in Chicago, she breaks down her proprietary frameworks: The 11 Invisible Games of Corporate Power and The 22 Human Dynamics.
Supply chain leaders often face unique pressures—balancing efficiency with sustainability while navigating complex internal politics. Linda explains how to identify the unspoken rules of influence, master the art of positioning, and ensure your impact is recognized by decision-makers. Whether you're an aspiring executive or a seasoned veteran, this talk provides the "missing manual" for navigating the human side of corporate systems.
Key Takeaways:
Decoding Power: Why being "the best" at your job is only half the battle.
The 11 Invisible Games: Identifying the hidden social and political structures within global organizations.
Strategic Positioning: How to build authentic influence and avoid being overlooked in high-stakes environments.
Supply Chain Leadership: Navigating the intersection of operational excellence and corporate diplomacy.
Recorded at The US Summit: Sustainability Stage 2026.
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