In a male-dominated industry, Ruza Zivkusic’s journey to becoming a marketing leader in the supply chain is an inspiring story of perseverance, curiosity, and breaking down barriers. Today, as Marketing Manager at KNAPP, Ruza is using her unique skill set to bridge the gap between technical expertise and compelling storytelling, focusing on the critical role of automation in modern supply chains.
“I didn’t set out to work in the supply chain—it found me,” Ruza explains. Her career began in journalism, where she interviewed directors from major transport and logistics companies. Initially, these directors were hesitant to engage, assuming she wouldn’t understand the complexities of their work. However, Ruza’s genuine curiosity and willingness to ask questions allowed her to build trust, leading to in-depth conversations that revealed the true intricacies of supply chains. This experience shaped her approach today, where she sees supply chains as more than just operations and numbers—they are about people, innovation, and problem-solving.
As Ruza’s career progressed, she transitioned from sales and branding into supply chain, where she began to understand the deep connection between front-end customer interactions and back-end operations. “I quickly realised that the success of our sales and marketing efforts depended heavily on supply chain efficiency,” she notes. Her experience reinforced the importance of aligning sales and operations, ensuring smooth logistics, timely delivery, and effective supplier management—key elements that fuel both domestic and international business growth.
However, working in the supply chain, particularly in leadership roles, has not been without its challenges. Gender bias and the lack of female role models in senior positions remain significant barriers to women’s career progression. Ruza reflects on her early years in the industry, where she was often the only woman in the room. “Women are doing the work, but they’re not always in the rooms where decisions are made,” she says, stressing the importance of visibility and access to decision-making circles.
Thankfully, Ruza has witnessed positive changes in recent years. “There’s been a greater awareness that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage,” she shares. More companies are actively working to promote women into leadership roles, and there has been a notable rise in mentorship programs and initiatives to increase female representation. Technology, particularly automation, AI, and digital supply chains, has opened doors to new opportunities that were once inaccessible, offering women a chance to contribute meaningfully to the future of supply chains.
The increasing prominence of automation in supply chain operations is one of the major shifts reshaping the industry. Ruza sees the adoption of automation as a powerful tool that not only enhances efficiency but also creates new career opportunities, particularly for women looking to enter traditionally male-dominated fields like logistics and operations. By embracing technology, supply chains can evolve to be more agile, responsive, and sustainable—qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced global marketplace.
Yet, despite the progress, Ruza believes there is still work to be done. More female voices need to be heard, and more inclusive work cultures need to be established. “We need mentorship, leadership training, and gender-neutral hiring practices to break down the remaining barriers and level the playing field,” she emphasises. As more women rise to leadership positions, their influence will continue to drive change and innovation in supply chain management.
Ruza’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and breaking through barriers. As the supply chain industry continues to evolve, women like Ruza are leading the charge—shaping the future of automation and proving that diversity is the key to a competitive, thriving supply chain landscape.
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Cejay is a Content Producer for Supply Chain Channel, Australia's learning ecosystem created to fill the need for information, networking, case studies and empowerment for everyone in the supply chain sector.
