We are thrilled to welcome Kishayra J. Lambert, Deputy Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, to the AWESOME community! Kishayra is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership in logistics, procurement, and strategic policy, and she’s known for driving transformational change. In this thoughtful conversation, Kishayra shares her career journey, lessons in leadership, and her perspective on the evolving role of women in supply chain. Her insight, candor, and commitment to impact make her an incredible addition to our network.
Ms. Kishayra J. Lambert is the Deputy Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, where she leads a workforce of over 2,300 personnel across 30+ global sites. Under her leadership, the organization has consistently achieved record-breaking revenues, generating over $22 billion annually, accounting for nearly half of DLA’s total sales. She has spearheaded audit modernization efforts, championed small business engagement, and led critical IT transformations that have strengthened government procurement and operational readiness.
Kishayra J. Lambert is a results-driven senior executive with over two decades of leadership experience spanning government operations, logistics, procurement, technology modernization, and strategic policy development. She has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving transformative initiatives that enhance efficiency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Kishayra’s expertise in strategic policy, risk mitigation, and cross-sector collaboration makes her an experienced leader in government affairs and business operations. She is a Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow and holds advanced degrees in Contract Management and Business Administration. A champion of people first, she has led multiple initiatives to enhance workforce engagement and leadership development.
AWESOME
Kishayra, I’m so happy to welcome you to the AWESOME community! My first question for you is: what makes you excited about this network?
Kishayra Lambert
I think it’s the opportunity to meet, network, and collaborate with women in diverse areas of supply chain. With all the new technology—AI, digital twins—I think the aperture for innovation is really wide open right now. Any opportunity to leverage one another’s skills, abilities, and ideas to push the industry forward is exciting. Having this group of women, a forum I didn’t even know existed until about a month ago, is, no pun intended, truly awesome.
AWESOME
I’d love to learn more about your background.
Lambert
In July, it’ll be 25 years in the public sector for me. I started in procurement, working for the Department of Defense, and then moved into IT operations. I’ve led HR, logistics… I even stepped away from DoD for a time and worked at the Social Security Administration, where I became a senior executive.
At Social Security, I focused on more public-facing initiatives. With DoD, our work supports people, but it’s more military-focused, whereas Social Security is directly outward-facing. That distinction shaped a lot of my perspective.
Interestingly, I actually started my career as an intern at the Defense Logistics Agency, which is where I am now, as the Deputy Commander. I lead a team of over 2,200 people around the globe and manage a $23 billion portfolio that includes medical supplies, food, construction equipment, clothing, and textiles for military and whole-of-government customers. We’ve provided disaster support, from hurricanes to current events in California, and we’re even supporting upcoming large-scale events. The scope of what we do here is vast.
This week is actually my last week in that role. I’m retiring, but I’m calling it “rehiring” because I’m not done yet. I’m looking forward to bringing my breadth of experience in procurement, IT, HR, logistics, and strategy to a private sector role where I can continue to add value. I’m not ready to sit still, so I am hoping the right company will find me. There’s still so much more I want to give.
AWESOME
That’s incredible. Your background is so extensive. Could you share any significant achievements that stood out, and perhaps some challenges too?
Lambert
One of my most significant achievements was leading IT logistics at Social Security during the early stages of the pandemic. Supply chains were fragile globally, and many of our field office employees had never worked outside those offices. We discovered a surprising number of employees didn’t even have internet access at home. When we suddenly had to shut our doors and send people home, I had to procure equipment, introduce new tools, and implement training to enable remote work. We had to move fast, especially because we support millions of Americans, including survivors needing benefits when deaths were high.
It was rewarding to build that capability quickly, but also very challenging. Everyone in the world was competing for the same resources, like hotspots, laptops, cameras, and even internal laptop components. That time really tested our agility and creativity. Navigating that kind of uncertainty, not just professionally, but also personally, helped ground me in a new way.
AWESOME
The way you talk about it really shows your agility and adaptability. Leading through that scale of change is impressive.
Lambert
Thank you. I’ll never forget March 13, 2020, the day we sent employees home. I didn’t think it would last more than a week. But Social Security didn’t start bringing employees back until about 2024. It shows just how long-lasting the impact was.
AWESOME
In your opinion, what are the key opportunities and challenges for women leaders in supply chain and beyond?
Lambert
We’re seeing more women in leadership and C-suite roles, and that’s so important. Representation matters. I even read a study recently saying that women-led firms are more innovative and make faster decisions. But with that opportunity comes challenge. Sometimes it feels like the momentum stalls and we hit that proverbial glass ceiling. And now, with some backlash around DEI, there’s this perception that if you’re a woman in leadership, you’re only there because of a quota. That bias can be damaging. We need to shift that narrative. The goal should be recognizing that people who were once excluded now have access, and because of that, organizations are better. It’s not that you’re in the room because of DEI—it’s that despite everything that tried to keep you out, you’re there, and making a meaningful impact.
AWESOME
That’s beautifully said. One thing I love about AWESOME is how women across industries come together in a truly collaborative way. We get to leverage each other’s strengths.
Lambert
Exactly. And I’ve seen some of the articles AWESOME shares… we really need to keep advocating. You can’t eliminate bias entirely, but you can replace it with a more positive, empowering narrative.
AWESOME
Thank you for that perspective. Switching gears a little, can you tell me how you balance leadership demands and personal life?
Lambert
So, a little uncommon for my peer group, I have a 3-year-old. Most of my colleagues are on grandkids, and I’m on my first toddler! I can’t say I’ve mastered work-life balance, but I am intentional about setting boundaries and teaching people how to treat me.
I’ve developed what I call “work-life tolerance.” I protect my peace, and I speak up when it matters. When I set boundaries, people understand why, without me needing to explain it every time. Women often apologize for needing a moment to breathe. But if taking a five-minute break means I can show up as my best self, that shouldn’t require an apology. It’s not really about balance—it’s about tolerance, and being intentional.
AWESOME
Earlier, you shared your incredible career journey. Did you have mentors along the way?
Lambert
I have, and I think mentors and advocates are both critical, but they’re not the same. Mentors help you grow, develop, and give back. Advocates speak your name when you’re not in the room. That’s powerful. You need both. And it helps to have a diverse circle of mentors… people who can relate to you and people who will challenge you.
And when people ask for a blueprint of my path, I always say, “I can’t give you that.” You might not be willing to make the same trade-offs I did, or take the same risks. Sometimes opportunities arise because of timing, not planning. So focus on what makes your heart and soul smile. That’s how you’ll show up as your best self.
AWESOME
I agree, taking care of your full self matters, in and out of work. And your point about opportunity and timing really resonates.
Lambert
I also use humor a lot in my leadership. It helps lighten the load, especially in high-stakes environments like the Department of Defense. It keeps things human.
AWESOME
What advice would you offer to aspiring women leaders?
Lambert
Never sit in the backseat of your career car. You have to drive. And when you get a seat at the table, even if it wasn’t built for you, make a meaningful impact. Network. Stretch beyond your comfort zone. Be open to trying things you never thought you’d like. That’s how I got into IT, even though I originally wanted to work in fraud and criminal justice!
Take on details and temporary assignments… they teach you just as much about what not to do as what to do. And always remember: diversity of thought and background is what leads to real growth. If everyone in the room has the same experience, nobody’s learning anything new.