A supply chain finance programme brings together a careful balance of platform technology, funding structures and process automation. But none of it succeeds without the right people running it day to day – people who have the experience, understand the detail, and keep a steady head when things do not go according to plan.

At Addendum, our customers are supported throughout the life of their supply chain finance programme, from implementation and supplier onboarding to ongoing operational and hands-on support. Claudia Shulman and Lucille Patricks lead the two teams at the centre of this work, where technical understanding, problem-solving, patience and strong people skills are equally important.

For this year’s Women’s Month article, we spoke to them about how they found their way into supply chain finance, the complexities of managing operations and customer-facing teams, and how they hold work and home together.

HOW YOU GOT HERE

1. Supply chain finance is not something most people set out to do. What was the route that brought you into it?

I first heard about the opportunity through a friend who came across a message advertising the role. My journey started in the Selective Receivables space, but I soon moved into the Supply Chain Finance division and quickly realised it was an area I really enjoyed. Since then, my role has evolved naturally as both the business and my experience have grown. I started in operations, moved into supporting implementations, and later took on the responsibility of leading implementations while also managing the operations team.

2. What is something you were told early in your career that turned out to be wrong?

I believed that expertise and skill would be the key to success. What I have learned over the years is that relationships are equally important.

Many of the opportunities I’m most grateful for came from people who trusted me to step up, deliver, and help find solutions when things weren’t going as planned.

I’ve built relationships with clients and colleagues who know they can rely on me, and that trust has been one of the most valuable parts of my career. Success isn’t just about what you know. It’s about how you work with people, the connections you build, and the trust you earn along the way.

WORK LIFE

3. What does your role entail?

I lead and support the implementation of Supply Chain Finance programmes across Africa, working closely with corporates and funding partners to bring solutions from concept to go-live.

A large part of my role involves bringing together different systems and stakeholders, ensuring that corporates’ ERP systems and funders’ payment platforms interface smoothly with our platform and work effectively within each organisation’s unique way of operating. A key part of my role is building and supporting a high-performing operations team, driving efficiency, smooth day-to-day operations, and sustainable growth as the business continues to expand.

4. What is the hardest decision your role asks you to make, or problem you have had to solve, and how do you handle it?

One of the biggest challenges in my role is balancing the different priorities, timelines, and expectations of clients, funders, and internal teams. Everyone has their own objectives to meet, and sometimes those don’t naturally align.

In those situations, there usually isn’t a perfect answer. I have learned that the key is to understand what’s most important to each stakeholder, keep communication open, and focus on finding a practical solution that moves everyone forward. Staying composed under pressure and focusing on practical solutions are two of the most valuable skills I’ve developed over the years. Challenging situations are often where the strongest partnerships are built. Working through a complex situation together creates a level of trust that doesn’t come from everything going smoothly. That’s often where the most rewarding work happens: finding solutions, adapting quickly, and helping people navigate whatever comes their way.

5. Your work with customers means being available and even-tempered all day. How do you get yourself into that frame of mind, and what does your morning look like before the first call?

It starts with coffee and a clean inbox! I like to begin each day with a clear understanding of what’s on the agenda, what needs attention, and where my focus is needed most across my clients, team, and projects. Having that visibility helps me stay organised and set up for a productive day. Of course, no two days are ever quite the same, and there’s usually an unexpected challenge or two waiting around the corner. That’s where being adaptable matters most: finding solutions, adjusting quickly, and helping people navigate whatever comes their way.

PERSONAL LIFE

6. As a career woman and working mother, what have you found helps hold home life together?

As a working mother, I’ve learned that it’s less about finding perfect balance and more about being intentional with the time you have. No matter how busy work gets, I make a conscious effort to set aside dedicated time with my daughter. I want to be present for the big milestones, but also for the everyday moments that often become the ones we both remember most.

Every now and then, I let her decide how we spend that time together. It’s a simple way of making sure she knows she has my undivided attention and that this time is just for us. Those moments help us stay connected and remind me what’s most important at the end of the day.

7. What has someone outside of work taught you that shows up in how you do your job?

Someone close to me taught me that when things get difficult, the calmest person in the room often has the greatest impact. That’s a lesson I’ve carried throughout my career. I have learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about listening, understanding the situation, creating clarity, and bringing people together around a common goal. In challenging situations, I focus on finding solutions, building confidence, and helping teams move forward.

LEADERSHIP

8. How do you create opportunities for others to grow and succeed within your team?

I create opportunities for growth by giving people responsibility and trusting them to take ownership. It’s often tempting to step in and solve a challenge, especially when you’ve seen it before or have the experience to guide it towards a quick resolution, but I’ve found that people develop far more when they’re given the chance to work through solutions themselves. I encourage my team to take the lead, make decisions, and tackle challenges, knowing they have my support when they need it. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing that moment when someone’s confidence clicks and they realise they’re capable of more than they thought.

9. What personal value or principle has guided you most consistently throughout your career?

Authenticity has been the principle that’s guided me most throughout my career. I have always believed that being honest, genuine, and dependable goes a long way. People value knowing where they stand, and I’ve found that trust is built when your actions consistently match your words. Credibility is built over time through consistency, honesty, and doing what you say you’ll do.

10. What does being a woman in leadership mean to you beyond your job title?

Beyond the title, I believe being a woman in leadership means using your position to open doors for others. It’s about leading authentically, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and thrive. The real impact isn’t measured by your title, but by the people you’ve helped develop and the confidence you’ve helped build along the way.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

• First app you open in the morning?Outlook. I like knowing what the day looks like before my first coffee.
• Meeting or email?
  Email for quick updates, meetings for discussion and decisions.
• What’s currently in rotation: book, series, or podcast?
  A mix of highly rated, easy-to-watch series that help me switch off and enjoy some downtime.

HOW YOU GOT HERE

1. Supply Chain Finance is not something most people set out to do. What was the route that brought you into it?

Supply Chain Finance wasn’t something I originally set out to do. Like many people, I simply followed opportunities that interested me and discovered a field that I genuinely enjoy.

I’ve always been someone who likes connecting with people, solving problems and understanding how things work behind the scenes. Supply Chain Finance gave me the chance to do all of that while working closely with customers and supporting business growth.

What I enjoy most is building strong relationships and helping customers find solutions when challenges arise. I also enjoy looking for ways to improve processes and create efficiencies that benefit both customers and the business. It’s a role that keeps me learning, thinking and collaborating, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling.

2. What is something you were told early in your career that turned out to be wrong?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that hard work alone doesn’t always create opportunities. It builds credibility, but visibility helps open doors. Speaking up, sharing your ideas and advocating for yourself are just as important as delivering great results. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career came from raising my hand, taking on new challenges and embracing a little discomfort along the way.

WORK LIFE

3. What does your role entail?

I currently manage the Supplier Onboarding team, looking after day-to-day operations and customer relationships, and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

My role involves supporting the team, ensuring we deliver a positive customer experience and continuously looking for ways to improve our processes and operational efficiency. I enjoy finding practical solutions that help the business achieve its objectives while maintaining strong relationships with our customers.

What I enjoy most about my role is working with people. I’ve always been passionate about supporting others, whether that’s helping my team develop and grow, working through challenges together or building strong relationships with customers. Seeing people succeed, gain confidence and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding, and that’s what I enjoy most about what I do.

4. What is the hardest decision your role asks you to make, or the hardest problem you’ve had to solve, and how do you handle it?

One of the biggest challenges in my role is balancing the needs of customers, the business and my team when priorities compete. There isn’t always a perfect solution, and sometimes difficult decisions need to be made.

I’ve learned that listening, keeping communication open and understanding different perspectives help me navigate those situations. My focus is always on finding a solution that supports the bigger picture while maintaining trust and strong relationships. Staying calm under pressure and being adaptable have been key to achieving the best outcome possible.

5. Your work with customers means being available and even-tempered all day. How do you get yourself into that frame of mind, and what does your morning look like before the first call?

I like to start my day with a good coffee and a few moments of quiet before everything gets underway. Once I’m at my desk, I make sure I have a clear plan and understand my priorities for the day. Having that structure helps me stay focused, especially in a role where priorities can shift quickly.

I’ve learnt that while organisation is important, adaptability is just as valuable. Things don’t always go according to plan, and being able to pivot, reprioritise and stay solution-focused often makes all the difference.

One skill I’ve really come to value is the ability to compartmentalise. In a fast-paced environment, moving between challenges is part of the job. Staying present in each conversation while balancing competing priorities helps me bring my best to both my customers and my work.

PERSONAL LIFE

6. As a career woman and working mother, what have you found helps hold home life together?

I’ve always been driven to do my best, both in my career and as a mom. For me, success isn’t just about what I achieve at work; it’s also about being present for the people who matter most.

Finding balance isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. I’ve learned that while you can juggle many things, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

Whether it’s a little self-care or a dedicated family night, those moments help me recharge, stay grounded and show up as the best version of myself at work and at home.

7. What has someone outside of work taught you that shows up in how you do your job?

My family has taught me a lot about patience, empathy and resilience. Being a parent, in particular, has strengthened my ability to listen, adapt and see situations from different perspectives. Those skills are just as valuable in business as they are in everyday life because, at the end of the day, every professional interaction is still a human one.

LEADERSHIP

8. How do you create opportunities for others to grow and succeed within your team?

I believe growth starts with trust. I try to create opportunities for people to take ownership, contribute ideas and stretch beyond what they already know. Sometimes that means coaching and guidance, and other times it means stepping back and allowing someone the space to learn through experience.

I also encourage my team to understand the bigger picture and how their work contributes to the success of our customers and the business. When people can see the impact they’re making, they’re often more confident in taking on new challenges and opportunities. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow in confidence and realise what they’re capable of.

9. What personal value or principle has guided you most consistently throughout your career?

Integrity. It’s a simple word, but it influences every decision I make. Building trust with colleagues, customers and partners takes time, and I’ve always believed that being honest, reliable and accountable creates the strongest foundation for long-term success.

10. What does being a woman in leadership mean to you beyond your job title?

For me, being a woman in leadership is about leading in a way that feels authentic. I don’t believe there’s one way to be a leader. You can be empathetic, collaborative and supportive while still being decisive and driving results. I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who believed in me, and I hope I can do the same for others by encouraging them to back themselves and embrace new opportunities.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

• First app you open in the morning?Honestly, none. I like to start my day with a good coffee and a few moments to myself before reaching for my phone. Once I’m ready for the day ahead, I’ll check for any important messages and get going.
• Meeting or email?
  A bit of both. I enjoy meetings because talking through challenges often helps spark ideas and solutions, but I also appreciate the detail and clarity that email provides.
• What’s currently in rotation: book, series or podcast?
  Definitely a series. I’m a big fan of documentaries and enjoy learning about different topics and perspectives. It’s my favourite way to switch off after a busy day while still learning something new.