Leading with Purpose, Empowering with Action
Chief Executive Officer,
Meridian International Sourcing Group
Procurement, traditionally a male-dominated field, is currently undergoing a transformative shift as more women ascend to leadership roles. According to the Global Women Procurement Professionals (GWPP), women now hold 38% of roles in the procurement industry, with 25% achieving leadership status. This evolving landscape reminds us that “Leadership is not a matter of gender but of excellence, impact and character” – a belief strongly embodied by Aleina Almeida, CEO of Meridian International Sourcing Group. Recognized as one of our “Top 10 Inspirational CEOs in the USA,” Aleina has been a major driving force at the forefront of the procurement industry during the hard times of geopolitical tension, economic inflation and environmental challenges. Under her strategic leadership, Meridian International Sourcing Group, a $12 million company, has pioneered sustainable procurement practices, redefined industry standards and demonstrated that market demands can lead to innovative ecological solutions. Aleina’s journey showcases resilience and a visionary approach to turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and leadership. Her story exemplifies strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to sustainability. TradeFlock interviewed Aleina to get into the insights and strategies that set her as one of the most forward-thinking CEOs in today’s evolving procurement industry.
In the last ten years, global sourcing in industries like Petroleum and Mining has seen significant changes, mainly due to the increasing number of suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, and intermediaries. This crowded market has made it essential for businesses to perform thorough due diligence before finalizing transactions. At Meridian, we’ve implemented a Supplier Qualification program to address these challenges. This program involves rigorous due diligence and onsite visits to potential suppliers. By doing so, we minimize the risks of wasted time and financial loss, ensuring that our transactions are both safe and successful.
One of the key strategies that set our company apart in the commodities market is our commitment to personal and in-depth engagement. As part of our rigorous Supplier Qualification Program, we not only conduct comprehensive due diligence but also perform site visits and inspections to ensure our suppliers meet our high standards and can reliably deliver. Additionally, we prioritize in-person meetings with our customers before formally beginning any business relationship. This personalized approach ensures we build strong, trustworthy, and effective partnerships.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our core product offerings. We specialize in selling solar panels, organic fertilizers, recyclables and raw materials, which are integral to promoting clean energy and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By introducing customers to these sustainable technologies and products, we aim to replace traditional solutions that are harmful to both our health and the environment.
While my hands-on approach is one of my greatest strengths and allows me to engage with all aspects of our operations deeply, it can sometimes lead to burnout. I am continuing to work on enhancing my leadership by prioritizing strategic oversight and empowering my team to take on more responsibilities. This continued delegation of responsibilities ensures sustainable operations at Meridian while preventing fatigue.
The most significant hurdles in my career as a Business Owner and Entrepreneur involved navigating substantial setbacks and delays. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience—I learned to ‘ride the wave’ of challenges. I discovered that while the road isn’t always smooth, you must remain positive and get back up when knocked down. Optimism, patience, and motivation have been my anchors during tough times. Moreover, these challenges highlighted the value of loyalty and the importance of having a dedicated team. The right team members are those who stand by you, especially when times get tough.
A critical but often overlooked aspect of success in our industry is the value of face-toface interactions with customers and vendors. Despite the digital shift reducing physical meetings in many companies, I believe that in-person engagements are crucial. The trust and synergy created in face-toface meetings cannot be replicated digitally, and it is the most effective way to conduct business.
My strategy for growing Meridian involves a steadfast commitment to expanding our range of environmentally friendly products and technologies. We aim to penetrate new markets, secure more government contracts, and forge mutually beneficial partnerships. This approach will not only diversify our reach but also solidify our presence in the sustainable products sector.
I have always believed that life isn’t just about making money or being successful; it’s about having a purpose and using it to positively impact others. I like to give back by helping businesses in underserved countries through the Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP) I developed. The program provides entrepreneur training, workforce development, business matchmaking, and job skills training. EDIP also brings investors to underserved countries to create jobs and help create a more vibrant economy.
I was very tenacious and ambitious. While I really admire the fearlessness and ambition of my younger self, I would advise her to temper her enthusiasm with strategic thinking. It’s important to be discerning and not rush into every opportunity. I’d tell her to be ambitious and bold but also calculated, recognizing that not every opportunity is worth pursuing.
