Yes, you student. Yes, you employee. Yes, you professional. You appeared in the Financial Times (FT). It was just incredible. How amazing is that the world is talking about us. Last week, just after we mentioned the potential that Monterrey and Mexico have to attract more companies.
After that article in the FT, multiple sources gave their opinion about what we still need to do in order to get and stay more competitive. Here you have, just to mention two examples.
Jamie Dimon, who is JP Morgan chief executive said a couple of weeks ago (Nov 15th, 2023) that –“If you had to pick up a country (Mexico) this might be number 1 opportunity. You (in Mexico) already have very capable companies, universities, infrastructure and technology.”
Later on December 7th, last week, Janet Yellen, US Treasury Secretary said that Mexico is well positioned to keep attracting more companies by strengthening the region’s supply chains.
Wow! That is a big way to show support for Mexico’s goal in nearshoring.
However, there are important problems to tackle, such as infrastructure, road traffic, public transportation, water crisis and education.
Going back to the topic of education, we know that globalization, digitalization, and technology are reshaping the foundations of supply chain operations. Therefore, we need to be upskilled in the core competencies that drive into be more productive.
Digitalization is about more than just data and visuals. We also must focus on training the digital vs. core skills gap. We cannot forget the vital role of humans, in activities such as good communication, critical thinking and strategic decision-making. All of these skills are important to succeed in supply chain management.
As mentioned before in this space, it is truly important to keep working on our technical skills. But also, we must also keep practicing our soft skills using English as a 2nd language.
Writing emails and letters correctly.
Understanding how to participate in a meeting with people from all around the world.
Have the confidence to solve-out problems in a critical situation.
By embracing this dual-layered approach – technical along with soft skills – we can face and tackle this new era of digital supply chain with better educated professionals to excel in this challenging world.
j.maldonado.gtz@gmail.com
Jorge Maldonado. Egresado de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León como Ingeniero Administrador de Sistemas. Cuenta con una Maestría en International Logistics and Supply Chain Management en la Universidad de Glamorgan South Wales en Reino Unido. Profesionalmente se ha desarrollado en empresas de manufactura y tecnologías de información.
