Supply chain disruptions have remained one of the major challenges facing entrepreneurs globally, as it affects their ability to get raw materials for operations and finished goods out to customers.
To help Nigerian businesses solve supply chain issues, Olatorera Balogun co-founded Natavi Consulting and Investment. Since then, she has been at the forefront of driving innovation and growth across businesses.
Her passion for improving operational efficiency, combined with her extensive experience has positioned her as a trusted partner for organisations seeking to achieve seamless business operations.
Over the years, she has built an exceptional career as a supply chain professional with outstanding results to show.
One of these notable achievements is her role in streamlining supply chain operations for multinational corporations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
She understands the unique challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria – such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and a diverse market landscape, and helps them overcome them.
Balogun’s ability to devise tailored supply chain strategies, taking into account these specific challenges, has earned her a stellar reputation as a trusted advisor.
She has constantly focused on the need for continuous quality delivery and has ensured she is properly licensed and certified to practice such as ISO, Six Sigma, Association of Supply Chain Management, AIPMM Association of International Product Marketing and Management, and others.
Seventy-nine percent of companies with high-performing supply chain management processes achieve revenue growth that’s significantly above their industry’s average, according to research.
According to her, businesses can only achieve this high performance when they have the right professionals on their teams.
Balogun noted she has been successful in contributing to the growth of several businesses by helping them with their supply chain management processes.
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According to her, she is also the head of operations for a multinational medical brand. “In the last 7 years, I’ve participated as a key player in the Nigerian healthcare sector deploying solutions that help business operations,” she said.
“I was part of a team that transformed a renal hospital into a world standard service provider today,” she said.
“I can translate any strategic goal into a well-detailed operating plan infusing quality, compliance and standards,” she added.
Balogun oversees the business’s commercial operations, covering product growth, innovation, and diversification. “I am well vast in international trade and coordination of internal operations.”
“Against all odds, I have forged ahead as a female executive. Today, I am the only female management member of my current employer, with over 120 staff.”
“I have over the years been able to provide digital solutions to everyday processes. The digitalisation of our operating system to create an enterprise that is integrated with information flow, product flow, and material flow.”
Her ability to streamline business processes into lean, efficient and customer-driven solutions not only provides high-level utilization of both capital and manpower resources but has ensured that net profit is growing day by day, according to her.
“Today, I serve over 500 customers through this approach,” she said.
Looking ahead, it is clear that Balogun’s expertise will continue to shape the future of supply chain management in Nigeria.
As businesses navigate the complexities of a globalized marketplace, her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of Nigeria’s supply chain ecosystem.
On her advice to entrepreneurs, she noted that those prospecting to come into the supply chain industry must be ready to do the work and learn from those who are ahead.
“The untapped innovative potentials that reside in our youth can be harnessed through learning the applicable standards required, and then commit to continuous improvement.”
