40: The Power of Your Network: Lessons from Jenn Kobus's Career Transitions

She Supply Chains Podcast
Aug 11
2 min read

What if your greatest career leap started with simply asking for what you want?

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kobus, a seasoned supply chain executive whose unconventional path — from British literature student to supply chain leader — is a masterclass in resilience, growth, and saying “yes” to what’s next. With a career that has spanned roles at REI, Ulta Beauty, and beyond, Jennifer brings honesty and depth to a conversation that covers everything from networking and mentorship to identity and personal reinvention.

Jennifer reflects on the twists and turns that shaped her career — from stepping into supply chain without formal training to building strong internal networks that helped her thrive during transitions. She shares how collaboration became her superpower, why being present matters more than perfection, and how mentoring others became a form of self-discovery. Her perspective on asking for what you want (and why hard work alone isn’t enough) offers actionable insight for professionals at every level.

Whether you’re navigating a pivot, looking to grow your leadership presence, or wondering how to build your network authentically, Jennifer’s story reminds us that we’re all a work in progress — and that’s exactly where the growth happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

02:55) Journey into Supply Chain
(06:01) Understanding Supply Chain in Layman's Terms
(08:59) Navigating Career Transitions
(12:01) Embracing Change and Resilience
(15:04) The Importance of Networking
(17:47) Self-Discovery and Leadership
(20:52) Building and Maintaining a Network
(21:51) The Power of Networking
(24:36) Key Lessons from Ulta Beauty
(27:16) Advice for Early Career Professionals
(30:26) The Importance of Asking
(32:02) Insights from School Board Experience
(37:07) Hero, Hardship, Highlight

🎧 Click here to listen to the full episode and hear Jennifer’s thoughtful take on navigating growth, building strong networks, and leading with resilience.

Click here to listen!