Q&A with Rock Star of the Supply Chain, Dani Etkin-Spigelman

We recently had the privilege of announcing that one of TA Services’ very own supply chain rock stars, Dani Etkin-Spigelman, was named a 2023 Rock Star of the Supply Chain by Food Logistics. We’re even prouder to share that Dani’s leadership, expertise, and integrity have resulted in her recent promotion to the new role of Chief Revenue Officer of TA Services Canada, Produce. Her company employment story is one that epitomizes “rising up through the ranks.”

With over a decade of experience and expertise in cold chain logistics, Dani started with our Toronto team (formerly known as Scout Logistics) as a humble summer intern. She has since helped to develop a network of carrier relationships across North America and has invested in workforce training and development while managing a growing team of customer service and capacity representatives.

With all the recent excitement, we wanted to catch up with Dani and ask her a few questions. For an inside look at a true supply chain Rock Star, read on!

Q: In the press release on being named a 2023 Rock Star of the Supply Chain, you mentioned that your success has been a team effort. Behind every successful team is a great leader paving the way. What are some of the ways you try to be a great leader for your team?

A: It is humbling to be included in any conversation about great leaders. Truly, a leader is part of a team, and a team is the sum of its parts. I try to be a good listener when someone needs an ear, and I try to provide some insights when someone needs a little point in the right direction. I feel that it is the team that makes me look good, not the other way around. I am happy and proud to be part of such a strong team.

Q: It’s no secret that many 3PLs have been plagued by driver shortages, heavily effecting the traditional supply chain. Yet, in these uncertain times, you have managed to not only retain your trusted carrier partner relationships, but also attract new top carriers to partner with. How have you managed to maintain your current relationships and start new ones in times like these?

A: Our carrier and driver partners are the lifeblood of the industry. Nothing moves an inch without them. Maintaining relationships with a foundation rooted in honesty and transparency is key, as is clear and timely communication. It is easy to thrive during good times, but the true test of a relationship is during the challenging ones. Through the good times and the not-so-good times, we respect our partners and treat them as just that: partners.

Q: All your teammates, coworkers, shippers, and carrier partners that interact with you daily already know you’re a global supply chain rock star. But this past year, you’ve welcomed a new baby, purchased a home, and have gone through the ups and downs of home renovations. All the while, you’ve grown your team with top-notch logistics talent and invested in customer and carrier partner relationships. How do you manage to juggle it all… what’s your secret?

A: Patience, a few deep breaths, and a solid team (both at work and at home) help me every day. Knowing that my team and everyone at TA helps support sustainability and growth as a company and with myself personally. I can’t say that it hasn’t been challenging and that there haven’t been some sleepless nights, but it is easier to face these challenges when you love what you do.

“Patience, a few deep breaths, and a solid team (both at work and at home) help me every day. Knowing that my team and everyone at TA helps support sustainability and growth as a company and with myself personally. I can’t say that it hasn’t been challenging and that there haven’t been some sleepless nights, but it is easier to face these challenges when you love what you do.”

Dani Etkin-Spigelman

Q: Being with our Toronto, ON team, you work a lot with temperature-controlled and temperature-sensitive shipments which give little room for error. Can you tell us about some of the types of constraints you and your team typically have to work around and how you ensure effective supply chain management?

A: There is no question that the challenges we face in handling temperature-sensitive shipments and the surprises mother nature throws at us along the way can lead to some “excitement” on the job. Knowing that there are certain things you can’t change, weather being one of them, allows us to focus our energy and efforts on the things we can control. Maintaining a solid and consistent communication infrastructure, staying flexible, and keeping a solution-oriented attitude across our teams and partners helps allow us to face these challenges when they come. When the storm rages, take a deep breath, stay calm, and buckle down. Together, we get through it.

Q: Being named a 2023 Rock Star of the Supply Chain by Food Logistics is quite an accomplishment! In your own words, what does the recognition of being named for this award mean to you?

A: Really, it is hard for me to say. I give the credit to my team and to the company for putting me in a position where I can work hard to contribute to our collective success. I look back at the many years I have been in the industry and how far I have come personally, and any success that I have had (and hope to have much more of) has been directly supported by the contributions and leadership of some very hard-working people around me.

“I give the credit to my team and to the company for putting me in a position where I can work hard to contribute to our collective success. I look back at the many years I have been in the industry and how far I have come personally, and any success that I have had (and hope to have much more of) has been directly supported by the contributions and leadership of some very hard-working people around me.”

Dani Etkin-Spigelman

Q: Any advice for other logistics professionals looking to succeed in their career path and stand out amongst the rest as a supply chain rock star?

A: Absolutely. Stick together, respect your team and your partners, and be clear and honest in your communications. And, when you need to, a few deep breaths here and there go a long way…

Ready to partner with Dani and her team of cold chain logistics experts for your temperature-controlled freight needs? Request a quote today!