Her Story
About Brandy
Brandy Laed is an accomplished aerospace supply chain professional with 22 years of industry experience, specializing in supplier development, supplier quality, supply chain management, and continuous improvement. She currently serves as a Supplier Development Specialist at Collins Aerospace, where she has spent the past eight years helping suppliers strengthen operational performance, improve quality, and meet critical contractual and delivery requirements. Recognized for her collaborative leadership style, Laed partners closely with engineering teams, suppliers, and senior leadership to implement sustainable process improvements that enhance efficiency, mitigate risk, and support organizational success. She is particularly proud of her ability to build strong, lasting relationships with suppliers and colleagues, creating partnerships that continue to thrive long after projects are completed.
Throughout her career, Laed has built extensive expertise in supplier risk management, quality engineering, engineering change management, Lean manufacturing, and operational excellence. She is a Six Sigma Black Belt, applying data-driven methodologies to identify improvement opportunities, streamline manufacturing processes, and drive measurable business results. Her experience includes leading supplier quality initiatives, facilitating 8D Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, implementing visual management systems and SQDC metrics, and guiding cross-functional teams through complex operational challenges. Her strategic mindset, analytical approach, and commitment to continuous improvement have established her as a trusted resource within the aerospace industry.
Laed earned an Associate of Arts in Business from the University of Phoenix in 2009 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the same institution in 2011, providing her with a unique combination of business knowledge and interpersonal insight that strengthens her leadership and supplier engagement. She is an active member of Women in Aviation International, reflecting her commitment to advancing the aerospace profession and supporting women in the industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laed supports the Everett Humane Society and enjoys scrapbooking and spending time as a proud dance mom. She believes that strong relationships, continuous learning, and service to others are the foundation of lasting personal and professional success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brandy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the exceptional mentors who have invested in my professional growth throughout my career. Early in my aerospace journey, Dawn provided invaluable guidance, helping me develop effective communication skills and confidently navigate crucial conversations. Later, at Collins Aerospace, Debra and Jessica further strengthened my leadership abilities by coaching me through presentations, role-playing challenging scenarios, and offering practical advice for navigating complex workplace situations. Their mentorship has shaped my confidence, decision-making, and leadership approach, reinforcing my belief in the value of continuous learning and supporting others as they grow in their own careers.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received was, "Regardless of how you think you're not meeting your objective, your results and output tell the real story." That perspective, shared with me by my mentor Jessica, taught me the importance of trusting the value of my work rather than being overly critical of myself. It reminded me to measure success by the impact I create, maintain confidence in my abilities, and recognize that consistent effort and meaningful results speak louder than self-doubt.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to approach every opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. No one has all the answers, and every challenge offers a chance to gain new knowledge and perspective. Be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and remain open to different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Most importantly, seek out a mentor who will challenge you, broaden your perspective, and help you see opportunities beyond your current view. The guidance of experienced professionals can be invaluable in building confidence, expanding your skill set, and accelerating your personal and professional growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the supply chain industry today is managing expectations in an environment that is still recovering from the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many organizations expect immediate results, the reality is that global supply chains continue to experience disruptions, capacity constraints, and ongoing adjustments that cannot be resolved overnight. The ripple effects of the pandemic have been far more extensive than many anticipated, and meaningful recovery is expected to continue well into the latter part of the decade. Successfully navigating these challenges requires patience, collaboration, strategic planning, and a long-term commitment to building more resilient and sustainable supply chains.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are family, balance, and maintaining healthy boundaries. I believe that while a successful career is rewarding, family should always come first. Throughout my career, I have been intentional about setting firm boundaries to ensure I could be present for the most important moments in my daughter's life. That commitment has shaped my approach to leadership and work, reminding me that true success is measured not only by professional accomplishments but also by the relationships we nurture and the moments we share with the people who matter most.
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