In this International Women’s Day interview, Caroline Barber, Chief Executive Officer at Transaid, shares the bold career moves and defining moments that shaped her leadership. From global roles to championing inclusive cultures, she reflects on resilience, opportunity, and why inspiring more women into life sciences supply chain truly matters.

Can you tell us about your career journey so far? What first drew you to the supply chain and life sciences industry, and how did you progress to your current role?

After university I joined a graduate training programme with a leading third-party logistics provider in the UK. That was a fantastic experience, I had the chance to work across Europe and see how fast moving the world of logistics was. However, it wasn’t until I started working with the NGO Transaid that I really understood how critical supply chains were in terms of improving health outcomes. Working in Sri-Lanka after the Tsunami, and more recently in Zambia to ensure medicines get to young children when they are critically ill – that’s when I saw firsthand the absolute importance of this sector. I completed a few secondments with Transaid and realised this was exactly where I wanted to use my skills. I was lucky enough to secure a role as a programme manager, progressing to head of programmmes and now CEO at Transaid. It’s my dream job.

Looking back, were there any defining moments, challenges, or opportunities that had a significant impact on your career path or leadership style?

Certainly, supporting the post-Tsunami response in Sri Lanka was a key moment for me. But there have been many defining moments working with our fantastic partners in Africa and seeing the impact of our work. I have been fortunate to have some brilliant managers and colleagues. I have learned so much from them and continue to do so.

As a leader, how do you foster a positive and inclusive work culture within your teams?

We have a talented and hardworking team at Transaid and a network of excellent partners across Africa as well as in Europe. I believe in an empowering leadership style, trusting your teams and giving them support and space to thrive.

In regards to inspiring women to step into the wonderful world of Supply Chain/Logistics, why is this important to you personally, and how is this a regular part of your day-to-day role at Transaid?

Women are still underrepresented in our sector and that needs to change. It’s such a rewarding and dynamic career path with so many different pathways. At Transaid, many of our programmes have a component that is about supporting women into the transport sector and helping them to thrive in Africa. We also work on initiatives that tackle issues of safety and security for women using passenger transport services in South Africa. On a personal level, it’s really important to me to make time for, and to support, young women wishing to enter the sector – informally but also through mentoring.

From your perspective, how is work culture changing across supply chain and logistics, and what progress are you most encouraged by, especially for women in the industry?

I am encouraged to see more women in leadership roles, although personally there have always been those role models for me to look up to. I think networks such as Women in Logistics are really important for women looking for spaces to network with other women in the sector. I recently heard that logistics giant GXO has a women’s development programme that is proving hugely popular – what a superb initiative.

For women who are earlier in their careers or aspiring to leadership roles in supply chain, what advice would you share based on your own experience?

I would encourage women who are earlier in their careers or aspiring to leadership roles to take up the opportunities that are out there, let people know you want them, show them you are capable and build your networks. As women, sometimes people will make assumptions on your behalf so be clear about what you want and what you don’t. I’m a passionate believer in women lifting other women as well as the power of male allies. If this resonates with you please come at see me at LogiPharma 2026 where I will be on the GXO stand and also presenting on day 3.

LogiPharma are thrilled to announce that Caroline will be speaking at the 2026 conference - register today to hear her insights.