Guest Column

Thanks for the Memories!
Reflections of My Career with ASCM Twin Cities Chapter

Natalie Dietz, CPIM
Executive Director, ASCM Twin Cities Chapter - soon to be retired

As I approach my retirement and prepare for the next chapter of life, my emotions are working overtime!  I am happy and sad, excited and apprehensive, joyful and melancholy, but mostly so very grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this great organization, surrounded by the best of the best!  APICS/ASCM Twin Cities Chapter has been so good to me!  It has been my absolute pleasure serving the members, volunteers, board members, and all those I’ve connected with over the years!

I’ve been an APICS member since 1995, a CPIM certified professional since 1996, and an employee of the Twin Cities Chapter since 1999.  In that time, I’ve celebrated the joy of watching my children graduate from elementary school, high school, and college, meet their life-partners, get married, and start a family with the arrival of my first 2 grandchildren (Madison (2 yrs) and Joey (7 mos).  In that time, I’ve also experienced the hardship of losing my parents, my in-laws, a sibling, and most recently battling and beating breast cancer.  Through it all, my APICS/ASCM family was there to celebrate the good times with me and to support/lift me up in the difficult times. 

I am grateful for:

  • the meaningful relationships made and grown over the years (too numerous to mention them all by name!).
  • the freedom and encouragement to learn, grow, and try new things.
  • the passion shared by all of you for the greater good and impact each of us can have on the world by choosing to work in the field of supply chain.  It is truly inspiring.

As I reflect on the wonderful experiences I’ve had as a member of ASCM Twin Cities Chapter, here are few lessons learned:

  1. Learning is a life-long endeavor.  Never stop seeking opportunities to learn.
  2. The possibilities are endless. Be prepared for the unexpected and seize the opportunities. Take risks.  Question conventional wisdom.
  3. Mentors matter – get one or a dozen.  It doesn’t need to be a formal mentor, but find someone of great character to learn from and emulate.  Pay attention to what they do.  I have been truly blessed to have such great mentors in my life and career.
  4. Ask for what you want/need.   Be prepared to hear “no” with grace, but you won’t get what you want if you don’t ask for it.
  5. Enjoy the ride and celebrate the small wins! Be kind, empathetic and genuine.  You get what you give!

It may sound cliché, but we all steer our own ship.  If you’re not enjoying your work, move on. Find the next opportunity and keep searching for the right fit.  When I accepted the position working for the chapter, I had to leave a 16-year tenure at TSI Incorporated because the job didn’t align with my needs at home.  It was a difficult decision to leave another great group of people behind, but looking back – it was the right decision.  I had no expectations that I’d still be here-25 years later, but here I am - so full of gratitude!

If you’re looking for your next opportunity, ASCM has the learning opportunities, networking opportunities, and maybe, just maybe, your next job opportunity!  It happened to me . . . it could happen for you too!  And just think of the wonderful relationships you’ll gain along the way!

Thank you APICS/ASCM!  It’s been a helluva ride!   

If you took the time to read this . . . I thank you and wish you great success and happiness in your careers and lives!  As for me, I’ll be spending this next chapter with my family/grandkids, riding bike, playing pickleball, enjoying a good book, doing some traveling and volunteer work, and cooking up good trouble!  It’s been an honor to share this great community with you!

With heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude-

Thanks for the memories!

Natalie Dietz, CPIM
Executive Director, ASCM Twin Cities Chapter 

Officially retired on 6/30/2024!

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