When we think about entrepreneurs who embody resilience, creativity, and determination, Sarah Barnes-Humphrey’s name stands tall. From navigating the dissolution of a family business to becoming a respected leader and advocate in the supply chain industry, Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Her journey wasn’t a linear climb to success—rather, it was a series of twists, turns, setbacks, and comebacks that led her to create one of the most popular supply chain podcasts in the industry: Let’s Talk Supply Chain (LTSC)
Sarah’s experience is not just about overcoming failure, but about transforming obstacles into opportunities. She is the epitome of someone who, despite everything life threw her way, chose to keep moving forward, and in doing so, forged a path that would inspire countless others in the supply chain sector.
A Legacy of Dedication
Sarah’s career didn’t start in a traditional boardroom or startup incubator. She grew up talking about supply chain over the dinner table, a conversation topic many teenagers might find dull. But for Sarah, it was a natural fit. “I grew up talking about supply chain at the dinner table, not boys and trends like your average teenager,” she says, looking back on her early life. “From a young age, I had to learn how to be resilient, and that has led me to always be able to pivot my business mindset.”
With that unique blend of early exposure to the family business and an innate drive to make things happen, Sarah entered the logistics industry straight out of high school. She started at the bottom, working reception and attending night classes. But soon, she was climbing the ranks, moving into operations and eventually taking on the role of Director of Sales and Marketing. Over the years, she gained invaluable hands-on experience that would later serve her well as she pursued her own entrepreneurial ventures.
The Creation of LTSC
It wasn’t until the family business shut down in 2017 that Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit fully emerged. While working as Director of Sales and Marketing, Sarah saw the need for better marketing strategies in the supply chain sector. She recognized a gap in the industry and, as a solution, launched 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain—a podcast with a bold, playful name. “At that time, marketing in the supply chain wasn’t very good,” she admits. “So, tongue-in-cheek, we called the podcast 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain.”
The timing wasn’t ideal—her family business was coming to a close, and Sarah was left to navigate the unknown, but her entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. She embraced the challenge head-on. The initial podcast was a fun, informal project, but as the months went by, Sarah realized the power of content creation in shaping conversations and driving change. However, by 2017, the family business had closed, and Sarah was left on her own.
Despite facing uncertainty, bankruptcy, and a steep learning curve, Sarah pushed ahead. She didn’t shy away from the task at hand—learning graphic design, social media, and website management. “I decided to get serious. I learned graphic design, social media, and website design,” she says. “In 2018, I started the Women in Supply Chain Series, and by April, I rebranded to Let’s Talk Supply Chain, and the rest is history.”
The Key to Success
What has made Sarah and Let’s Talk Supply Chain successful is not just the podcast’s innovative approach, but Sarah’s consistency and commitment to showing up every day. “We consistently show up!” she affirms. “We value the voices in our industry; if they take time out of their day to comment or send a message, we engage right back.”
Her team, which consists of freelancers from around the world, works with a sense of shared purpose and a commitment to making a difference. Sarah’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the idea of empowering others. “We encourage a culture of owning your space and creating safe spaces,” she says. “That way, everyone feels comfortable reaching out with a challenge, an idea, or an innovation.”
Innovation is at the heart of everything Sarah does, from the content she creates to the culture she fosters. “Innovation is super important,” she notes. “We really encourage that in everything we do, in every team meeting we have.”
Teamwork Above All
Despite being the face of her brand and podcast, Sarah knows that individual heroics are not what drive success. “Organizations rely heavily on team processes. It’s the only way we can keep things running smoothly,” she states firmly. For Sarah, it’s the collaboration and processes within the team that fuel the company’s success, not just the actions of one individual. She credits much of her own success to the strength of her team, who support each other as they work to elevate the voices of supply chain professionals around the world.
Her role as the Founder and CEO of Let’s Talk Supply Chain comes with its fair share of responsibility. From setting the vision to executing new ideas, Sarah wears many hats. But the happiest part of her day isn’t about accolades or achievements—it’s the connections she builds with her community. “The best part of my daily routine is the connection!” she says. “I truly enjoy speaking with people about their passions and also hearing from the community when they reach out for feedback.”
Leading with Purpose
As Sarah continues to lead Let’s Talk Supply Chain, she remains steadfast in her mission to empower others. “We are all works in progress, so take time to listen; learn, and give grace to yourself and your team,” she advises anyone stepping into a leadership role. Her journey is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by what happens to you, but by how you choose to respond. For Sarah, quitting was never an option—and that determination has made all the difference.
From facing bankruptcy to creating a widely respected platform for the supply chain community, Sarah Barnes-Humphrey’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and, above all, dedication. She shows us that with persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt, anything is possible.
Sarah Barnes-Humphrey
Founder of Let’s Talk Supply Chain
