Female Professionals in Supply Chain Management: An Interview

Erica Olson, Business Development Executive based in Rebound’s Sweden Office, talks about developing client relationships within the Nordics and creating her own voice as a young woman in the electronics industry.

Tell us a bit about yourself & your time at Rebound 

I started working as a business development executive in the Nordic and Baltics team at Rebound in November 2021 in the midst of the shortage market. It was definitely a very intense time to get to know the industry, but it also allowed for a steep learning curve.

Can you share a unique or interesting fact about yourself?

Prior to joining the Rebound family, I studied business and economics where I earned a master’s degree in innovation and global sustainable development. During my five years at university, I spent six months studying entrepreneurship in Australia. While I enjoyed the studies, the time I spent on my surfboard was definitely the highlight of the stay.

What has been your biggest achievement whilst working at Rebound? 

As the culture of the Nordics in general, and Sweden in particular can be quite reserved, creating close relationships with clients in this region can be a tedious process. We have spent a lot of time traveling around the Nordics, meeting clients face to face in order to strengthen our cooperation. The hard work we are putting into building these relationships is something I am proud of, not only when it comes to myself but for the whole team. Working with sales in this region has really brought me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to approach business in the Nordic supply chain market.

Are there any challenges that you have faced being a woman working in the electronics industry? If so, how have you overcome them? 

I think that being a woman working in a male dominated industry can be challenging regardless of the industry in question. Working in supply chain management has definitely allowed me to go outside my comfort zone and demand my space as a young woman in an industry that is very competitive and can sometimes be quite rough.

What advice would you give to young women looking to pursue a career in this industry? 

This is a perfect career choice if you are looking for very fast development and a dynamic environment. In supply chain management, you’re allowed to be independent and choose your own way of approaching business while still being supported by your team, which I think is really helpful in creating your own voice as a young woman in the industry.