Hi Hajar, can you tell us a little about your career journey so far, and how it led to your current role as Reader in Leeds Business School?

My journey began with an MBA and then a PhD in Organisation and Management at Sheffield Hallam University, where I explored electronic supply chain practices among UK manufacturing SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). After my PhD, I completed a postdoc at the University of Sheffield on sustainable supply chain operations, which really deepened my interest in Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and sustainability.

I joined Leeds Beckett in 2016 as a Senior Lecturer and over the years, I've developed modules, led pathways, supervised doctoral students, and led funded projects in collaboration with industry and policymakers. Alongside teaching, my research has evolved to focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital transformation in supply chains - work that has led to high-impact publications, external collaborations, and invitations to shape conferences and journals. That combination of teaching, research, and industry engagement has brought me to where I am today, promoted to Reader in Leeds Business School.

How would you describe your research focus to someone who isn't familiar with the field?

At its heart, my research is about making supply chains smarter, greener, and more resilient. Think about the journey your food, medicines, or clothes take before they reach you - those journeys involve hundreds of decisions, multiple organisations, and often result in waste, delays, and unnecessary emissions.

My work looks at how digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain can help us track, predict, and optimise these processes in real time. By doing so, businesses can cut waste, lower their carbon footprint, and respond more effectively to disruption. Ultimately, it's about combining advanced technology with human judgement to design supply chains that are not only efficient and reliable but also socially and environmentally responsible.

Congratulations on your recent promotion to Reader! What was your experience of applying for promotion, and what helped you to navigate the process with confidence?

Thank you. The process was certainly rigorous but also a great opportunity to reflect on my career. What helped most was being proactive in documenting achievements over time - whether that was publications, grants, or leadership roles - so when it came to the application, I had clear evidence aligned with the criteria. I also reached out to colleagues who had been through the process, which gave me clarity on expectations and reassurance about presenting my narrative with confidence.

In addition, the support of my Business School Research Lead was invaluable - they reviewed my application, provided constructive feedback, and helped me refine how I articulated my contributions. That guidance really strengthened both my case and my confidence in the process.

Many colleagues think about progression but can sometimes feel unsure of their own path. What advice would you give about building confidence and finding ways to overcome barriers along the way?

I would say progression is rarely linear - there will always be setbacks, but consistency matters more than speed. For me, building confidence came from celebrating small wins, whether a successful conference paper, a positive student evaluation, or securing even a small internal grant. Over time these add up. Barriers are inevitable, but seeking mentorship, collaborating widely, and being willing to step out of your comfort zone makes a real difference. My advice is to focus on developing your unique strengths and to see progression as a journey rather than a checklist.

Has there been a piece of support, encouragement, or advice from others that has really stayed with you and helped shape your career?

Yes, one piece of advice I received early on was: "Don't wait for opportunities - create them." That mindset has shaped how I approach my career. Rather than waiting for the perfect call for funding or invitation to collaborate, I've often initiated projects, built partnerships, or proposed new ideas myself. I've also made it a priority to attend conferences and networking events, which not only allowed me to share my research but also to connect with like-minded colleagues and industry partners. That proactive approach - combining initiative with active engagement in academic and professional communities - has opened doors and helped me develop both independence and resilience.

Looking back, what moments stand out as the proudest or most rewarding in your career so far?

Several moments stand out. Seeing my research in Production Planning and Control cited over 1,000 times was very rewarding because it demonstrated the reach and influence of my work, not just within academia but also in shaping discussions in practice. Equally, securing research funding to lead projects on digitalisation and sustainability in supply chains has been a highlight, as those projects created opportunities to translate research into practical tools and industry collaborations.

I'm also very proud of mentoring doctoral students and early career colleagues - supporting them to publish, progress in their careers, and develop confidence shows the lasting influence we can have beyond our own outputs. Altogether, these moments remind me that impact is measured not only in citations and grants, but also in the people and communities we reach through our research, teaching, and leadership.

And looking ahead, where would you like to see your career develop in the future?

Looking ahead, I want to expand my role as a thought leader in digital and sustainable supply chains. That means continuing to publish in high-impact journals, leading more collaborative funded projects, and shaping policy and practice through my work with organisations like BAM, CILT, CIPS and BSI. I'm also keen to mentor the next generation of researchers and build stronger research clusters within the school, ensuring Leeds Beckett is recognised internationally as a hub for impactful research in supply chain digitalisation and sustainability.