Get a first hand look at how corporate sponsors of the Center for Supply Chain Research use their partnership with Penn State and the center to gain a competitive advantage. Brenda Berg, Supply Chain Project Leader for IBM Systems, and Lianne McPherson, Global Operations Organizational Integration and Enablement Leader for IBM, join the podcast to discuss ways they have used their member benefits in terms of IBM's business strategy, employee advancement, and more.

About

Brenda BergBrenda leads the development of supply chain management systems, consults on supply chain disruption strategies and resiliency planning, while driving employee up-skilling initiatives.​

She has broad and deep supply chain knowledge with over 30 years of operations and transformation experience. Brenda has delivered supply chain solutions in areas of product announce planning to product end of life, inventory management, supplier relationships, Business Partner relationships, contract management, business controls, cost management and financial impacts.  Her strong project management and Agile skills along with IT Application knowledge makes her a valuable resource to the Supply Chain industry.  As an Adjunct Faculty member, she enjoyed sharing her experience and knowledge with college students.​

Brenda has an MBA degree from Winona State University.  She has also earned a plethora of certifications, including First Plateau Inventor/IBM, Project Management Profession (PMP)/Project Management Institute, and various Agile certifications.

At home in Minnesota, Brenda enjoys spending her weekends with family and friends at their lake home.

Lianne McPhersonOver 20 years Supply Chain and Leadership experience, Lianne has held and managed roles in various business areas across the supply chain including: 

Distribution Operations, Global Logistics, Finance, Inventory Management, Business Controls, Sourcing and Supplier Relationship. 

Through-out her tenure, Lianne’s passion continues to be leadership and the development of others through collaboration and mentorship.

She is the Co-Chair of WING Canada (Women in IBM Networking Group) connecting women to the resources and employee groups that broaden their network and align to their values. Leading 9 chapters and 24 women across the country in creating spaces and moments of impact championing for the women’s community, allies and other business resource groups. 

From a Supply Chain perspective Lianne is currently responsible for amplifying our IBM Supply Chain  Communications, Skills and Eminence.  She is the Program Manager for the Supply Chain Engagement Squads initiatives and actions. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Lianne has an active family life of sports and enjoys taking some time for herself exploring nearby hiking trials.