Rose Celestin is a results-driven and performance-focused supply chain leader skilled at leading and training cross-functional teams in the design and launch of high-impact revenue-generating business initiatives.
Being able to understand over-arching objectives, sensitivities, customers, team members and aligning them with functional strategies is what she does best. Rose’s unique blend of leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and active involvement across multi-industry boards have allowed her to earn global recognition through features, press, and publications as a dependable thought leader providing a polished communication framework to inform and influence, as well as staying connected to and advising key leaders.
Over time, Rose has been able to leverage her relationship-building and networking skills through various events to contribute versatile ideas through visionary discussion, leading-edge ideas, and the commitment to transform ideas into reality, resulting in sustainable change across the supply management ecosystem.
Rose’s passion is bringing strategic vision, integrity, and energized leadership for exceptional results. She likes to leave a mark on people and make lasting impressions.
I am glad to have had Rose take some time out of her schedule to be interviewed and to share her story in an authentic way.
1. Humble Beginnings
Q: How did you get started and what or who inspired and empowered you to?
My story is quite interesting. I got started in supply chain at the age of 14. I grew up in a small town of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There, you tend to know everyone very personally since the city is so small. I had attended church one Sunday and heard through the church announcements that one of the members was hiring. Due to my strict upbringing, I was desperate for some cash of my own, so I approached the lady who was hiring and expressed my interest. Over several weeks of constant persistence and getting my parents involved, she obliged if my parents could get me a work permit. The rest is history. She ended up becoming my strongest advocate in the professional world and empowered me to get involved in the profession through writing, attending events, and sitting on committees. Over the years, she groomed me from a Purchasing Technician to Director of Procurement at her organization.
Q: What unique and creative strategies if any did you use when you were first getting started?
When I first got started, I was very interested in observing, learning, and soaking up as much information as possible. I asked a lot of questions and volunteered for a lot of tasks. Being personable and approachable also helped me as well.
2. Mindset
Q: What mindset distinguished you from others who were doing the same thing? How did you develop it?
Because I was so young when I first started, I think my ambition mixed with people-skills was my competitive advantage. Growing up in the south has its way of making your more friendly than necessary. Being very hospitable allowed me to get my foot in the door, then my skills gave me a seat at the table. Often, we hear the phrase, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”. Well for me, I believe that it’s not only who you know, but how well you know them.
3. What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is knowing that I made a positive impact in some way, shape, or form. Being able to position myself as a trusted advisor brings me joy. It doesn’t matter if I get a phone call at 2am in the morning from a peer that needs help solving a problem, the fact that they thought of me to call on in the first place lets me know that I bring value to the lives and spaces of each person I interact with.
4. Failure
Q: What do you think is the main reason why some people face failure when going after their vision?
I think that most people face failure from giving up too soon. There’s a lot of competition out there and it’s easy to get discouraged or feel like your voice isn’t being heard. It’s something that we all face and must work through at some point in our lives.
5. What is the best piece of advice you have received or came across and would like to share with everyone?
Consistency is key. Your ambition must outweigh your uncertainty. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you tend to be more consistent even in the face of adversity because you’re doing what you love. It’s okay to feel stuck every once in a while, but if you find it hard to stay focused, it may be time to re-evaluate your passions.