In a time when disruption and complexity define the global supply chain landscape, Christine Barnhart stands out as a leader who not only embraces innovation but does so with a deeply human lens. Christine, in her role as Chief Industry & Ecosystem Officer at Nulogy, draws on years of leadership experience, strategic insight, and a genuine dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Her approach is not just transforming the way businesses operate—it’s reshaping how leaders think about progress, people, and the power of ecosystems.
I don’t just want to optimize systems—I want to humanize them. The future of supply chain isn’t only about data and delivery; it’s about people, purpose, and progress.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Connection
When asked about the principles that have guided her career, Christine speaks with humility and clarity: “Lead with empathy, listen more than you speak, and never underestimate the power of being a connector.” These tenets have shaped her leadership journey and continue to drive her impact at Nulogy.
Throughout her career, Christine has leaned on the wisdom of mentors and the strength of her teams. She believes that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating space for others to contribute theirs. “The best leaders,” she says, “are those who recognize the value in diverse perspectives and empower their teams to lead alongside them.” This philosophy aligns closely with Nulogy’s commitment to building supply chain networks based on trust, transparency, and collaboration.
Transforming Supply Chain Collaboration
Nulogy is driven by a clear mission—to turn supply chain collaboration into a powerful competitive edge rather than just an abstract idea. Christine emphasizes that for Nulogy, collaboration is not a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. “We’re helping brands and their external partners operate in connected ecosystems, not isolated silos,” she explains. In a world where volatility and unpredictability are the new norms, agility is critical. Christine sees the ability to adapt together—not just individually—as the key differentiator between good and great organizations.
Under her leadership, Nulogy is investing in smarter technologies, building stronger networks, and eliminating outdated tools like spreadsheets in favor of real-time, dynamic systems. It’s an evolution that reflects the future of the supply chain industry—interconnected, responsive, and human-centric.
Balancing Innovation with Operational Excellence
As Chief Industry & Ecosystem Officer, Christine sits at the intersection of innovation and execution—a balance she describes as “a dance, but a fun one.” Her role demands that she keep one foot in the future while staying firmly grounded in the practical needs of today.
Innovation, for Christine, is about pushing boundaries and exploring what’s possible. But operational excellence requires discipline, structure, and consistency. The solution? Bringing in the right voices early and often—from customers and partners to internal teams. “Listening, learning, and staying rooted in what works in the real world is how we move forward,” she says.
The supply chain of tomorrow isn’t just smarter or faster—it’s more thoughtful. It listens. It adapts. It uplifts. I’m committed to building a future where operational excellence walks hand in hand with human progress.
Leading Through Ambiguity
In today’s fast-moving environment, one of the most difficult leadership challenges is navigating ambiguity. Christine acknowledges the discomfort that comes when the pace of change outstrips the clarity of direction. “I’ve had to learn how to adapt and figure things out along the way,” she reflects. Her strategy involves surrounding herself with bold, curious individuals who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions or try new approaches.
In those moments of uncertainty, she relies on transparency, humor, and grace—both for herself and those around her. These qualities not only ease the stress of ambiguity but also build resilience and trust within teams.
Building a Culture of Empowerment
Christine’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that empowered teams are the engine of progress. At Nulogy, this belief manifests in a workplace culture where collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected.
Christine leads by example, making herself available, asking thoughtful questions, and ensuring that every voice is heard. Outside of her work with Nulogy, she actively fosters connections within the wider supply chain community. Whether it’s through professional organizations like ASCM and FS4, her podcast “Supply Chain Unfiltered,” or casual LinkedIn introductions, she’s constantly forging connections that foster learning, mentorship, and growth. “There’s power in helping others find their voice or their tribe,” she says. “It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.”
Looking Ahead: Technology Meets Humanity
The future of supply chain is undeniably technological. Christine points to artificial intelligence as a key driver of transformation—redefining visibility, automating decision-making, and unlocking new efficiencies. But she is equally focused on the human dimension of this shift.
“I believe the next few years will be defined by hybrid intelligence,” she says. “That’s people and technology working together, not one replacing the other.” For Christine, the challenge—and the opportunity—lies in preparing people to work meaningfully alongside emerging tools. It’s a reminder that innovation must always be in service of human progress.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
As a woman who has often been “the only” in professional spaces, Christine is acutely aware of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. She’s committed to changing that reality—within Nulogy and across the broader industry.
At Nulogy, she is part of a leadership team striving to build inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. But her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Christine regularly speaks out about the myth that qualified candidates from underrepresented backgrounds don’t exist. “They’re out there,” she asserts. “Our aim is to create environments where people prefer to stay.”
For Christine, inclusion goes beyond a checklist—it’s about cultivating a culture. That mindset informs everything from hiring practices to mentorship efforts to how meetings are run and decisions are made.
Leadership, to me, isn’t about standing at the front. It’s about noticing what’s missing, asking the right questions, and nudging the system forward—even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially then.
Embracing Growth Through Bold Decisions
Reflecting on her own career, Christine credits many of her pivotal moments to saying “yes” before she felt entirely ready. Whether it was stepping into the world of supply chain tech, serving on boards, or launching her podcast, each leap introduced her to new opportunities—and to people who believed in her potential.
These experiences taught her that growth often comes not from certainty, but from courage. It’s a lesson she now tries to pass on to others, helping them recognize their own capacity before they might fully see it themselves.
Advice to the Next Generation
For those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in their industries, Christine offers advice that is both powerful and personal: “Be bold, be kind, and don’t wait for someone else to give you permission.” Leadership, she emphasizes, is not about titles—it’s about intention and action.
She encourages emerging leaders to surround themselves with people who both challenge and support them, to express gratitude often, and to listen more than they speak. These values, she believes, are not only the foundation of effective leadership but also the pathway to enduring impact.
A Future Worth Building
As Christine looks ahead, she is energized by the recognition that supply chain is no longer an invisible function behind the scenes. It is now seen for what it truly is: strategic, global, and essential. But more than that, she sees an opportunity to make it better—not just smarter or faster, but more inclusive, more sustainable, and more human.
In the years to come, she hopes to continue being a connector, a champion, and—by her own description—a bit of a nudge. “Progress requires persistence,” she says. “And I’m here to help push us toward a future we can all be proud of.”
In a world that often values speed over substance, Christine Barnhart reminds us that leadership grounded in empathy, curiosity, and connection is not only possible—it’s essential. Through her work at Nulogy and beyond, she is helping to build not just a better supply chain, but a better world of business. Christine believes that inclusion is not just a formal requirement, but a culture that must be actively shaped and nurtured.
The ripple effect of good business extends beyond metrics. When we design supply chains that respect people, protect the planet, and champion purpose, we don’t just improve margins—we help reshape the narrative of what business can be.