Blog courtesy of Brianne Miller, LCI
Marina Mayer is the editor-in-chief at Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Landis Communications Inc.’s work with iTradeNetwork connected us with Marina and her publications.
What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?
Being that I oversee two supply chain publications, I think it’s no surprise that anything pertaining to COVID-19, supply chain disruptions and the supply chain itself are pretty hot topics. Drilling down even further, we cover everything from warehousing and distribution to transportation, sustainability, procurement, risk mitigation, software, technologies and workforce development.
Some issues on my radar are labor shortages, driver shortages and product shortages (think lumber, resin, ingredients for food items, PPE, semiconductors and more). Then there are some other overarching issues such as how companies keep up with demand, how they overcome disruptions, what kinds of technologies they are implementing and why and what they are doing to product people, product and plant.
The Delta variant is also looming ahead. How will a second blow to already stressed-out supply chains impact the way today’s companies operate? What will this mean for restaurants, e-commerce, manufacturing and more?
The supply chain is upside down and has been ever since COVID-19 hit. When will it sort itself out?
What are the wackiest proposals or ideas someone has sent you?
We manage eight awards between Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. There are times when PR professionals will ask me to publish their press releases announcing they won an award when we gave them that award. I’ve also had PR folks look at our editorial calendars and ask to be a part of every topic every month. I also think it’s wacky when I get asked to publish an infographic.
What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?
Our audience thrives on problem-solving solutions. So, I always look for how this information can help our readers and what our audience can learn. No problem is too small or uncommon in the supply chain. My goal is to always “speak” to our readers and make their lives and jobs easier. I also look for new angles, new ways of looking at things and something that makes us all stop and think.
Which story or stories make you the proudest?
In Food Logistics’ September 2021 issue, I wrote an article titled “Post-Pandemic Grocery Shopping.” It really honed in on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted grocery retail. I am proud of it because it received an honorable mention by the Trade Association Business Publication International TABPI awards.
I’m also proud of the Women in Supply Chain award, which I launched last year. This year was its second year, and we received over 250 applications. I am proud of this award because it celebrates the female engineers, truck drivers and supply chain executives that don’t always get recognized. I am honored to celebrate all the women making a difference, especially during such a challenging time.
Without sounding too cliché, I’m proud of all of my articles because I’m covering pertinent challenges the industry is facing. I’m sharing people’s stories, their opportunities for success and celebrating their achievements. I’m their voice at a time when the supply chain and logistics industry needs all the help it can get. I’m proud that they let me tell their story.
What is your dream assignment?
When I was little, I always wanted to write for People magazine. I wanted to cover famous people. Then, I entered the B2B world by accident and quickly realized that there are plenty of famous people in the B2B space.
I don’t know that I have a dream assignment. I’m blessed that I have a job I love, work in an industry I love and work with a supportive team.
Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am…
Reading, exercising, gardening or spending time with my family.
What advice do you have for PR people who want to pitch you?
Understand the brand first. Hunt down editorial calendars and media kits. Find out where you fit. I get pitched all the time for stuff, and it’s either too promotional, doesn’t fit our voice or doesn’t fit our audience.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been in the B2B space for 14 years now but in the supply chain and logistics market specifically for nine years. I’ve been married for 14 years, have a nine-year-old daughter, a six-year-old son and two dogs.
Feel free to comment below, connect with Marina via LinkedIn or tweet her @MarinaMayer.
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Marina, thanks for contributing to our blog. And brava for launching the “Women in Supply Chain” awards. We need more recognition for women in all businesses, but especially in this field. Keep up the good work! Cheers, David
Supply chain and logistics have never been more vital – or in the spotlight – than during our COVID existence. Thanks for being the industry’s voice!
Thank you Marina! It has been fascinating and eye-opening to see how all supply chains, including food (which obviously is critical) have demonstrated both their strengths and weaknesses during the pandemic.
Thanks for participating in our blog, Marina! Echoing David here, but I think it’s amazing that you started an award to recognize the successes of women in the supply chain. It’s important that people feel seen and get recognition for their hard work. It’s been a tough year with the pandemic, and I don’t think we would have been able to pull through without our supply chains!