Women in supply chain: Michelle Davis

January 17, 2024

Michelle Davis is a manager with Deloitte Consulting LLP in Deloitte’s Supply Chain & Network Operations (SCNO) practice. After she joined the organization in 2019 following her experience as a summer associate, Michelle has proven to be a leader across SCNO, delivering on end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing strategy projects. Prior to joining Deloitte, she had seven years of experience in multiple areas of the supply chain, primarily focused on manufacturing operations, planning, and logistics. Michelle holds an MBA in Supply Chain from the University of Tennessee and a BA from Florida State University in Fine Arts & Graphic Design.

Below, Michelle shares more about her career journey as a woman in supply chain.
 

What did your background look like prior to joining Deloitte, and how did you hear about consulting?
Before joining Deloitte, I worked in manufacturing and ran a small-to-medium-sized commercial printing facility. Since my undergrad degree was in graphic design, I initially went into a rotational program for graphics support (called ‘prepress’ in the industry) when I joined the company, but I soon discovered that I really enjoyed running the facility across the different supply chain functions. After working as the VP of operations across multiple plants, I decided to go to business school to get my MBA in supply chain management from the University of Tennessee. It was there that I was exposed to Deloitte and the field of consulting, and I quickly realized that it was something I wanted to try. After completing my first year of business school, I interned with Deloitte, and my three months as a summer associate confirmed that I really enjoyed it. From there, I accepted a full-time offer to join Deloitte after business school and began my Deloitte journey.

Since joining Deloitte, what types of projects have you helped deliver?
I joined the SCNO practice knowing I wanted to be exposed to multiple types of projects, but specifically, I was intrigued by end-to-end strategy and production scheduling projects given my background in operations. Across my 4+ years at Deloitte, my work has spanned across multiple supply chain and manufacturing strategy projects by helping clients optimize their operations and incorporate smart solutions in their day-to-day processes. For example, throughout my time in the SCNO practice, I have contributed to the Smart Factory, helping design a first-of-its-kind shopfloor scheduling program. My projects have also given me the opportunity to work across multiple industries including aerospace & defense, industrial products, food & beverage, and consumer products – something unique to consulting.

What have you enjoyed about a consulting career versus a career in industry?
When I think about the projects I deliver, I have the privilege of helping our clients with both short-term and long-term projects and I am constantly thinking “What can we do to make this better?” When I was in industry, I found that I spent more time on the day-to-day activities that were essential to running the business, like getting orders out on time. Now, through strategic projects, I can take a step back and see the bigger picture while also helping maintain (and improve!) the day-to-day execution of the business.

What excites you about working in the supply chain industry?
I really enjoy how tangible the work is given supply chain’s presence in our everyday lives. The type of realness you get from supply chain & manufacturing work products is not something you can get in every industry, and I find it incredibly gratifying when I see the end product or process in motion. I also love the people that I work with in the supply chain industry. I have noticed that supply chainers across the industry are pragmatic, hard-working, determined, and very fun too!

Being a leader at Deloitte, what do you attribute your success to?
The amazing people I have worked with have truly made my Deloitte experience a success. Being a woman in supply chain, there are so many allies throughout my career that have mentored me throughout the way, and I try to do the same now by lifting up those around me, helping them make connections, and always offering support where I can. Deloitte also provides many different avenues for both professional growth through skills development but also personal growth through different communities and teams. The people and opportunities around me—along with a lot of hard work and a bunch of fun—are strong testaments to my success at Deloitte.

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Learn more about supply chain and network operations at Deloitte, and read another women in supply chain story.  

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