After the completion of my Degree in Business and Economics, I pursued a diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. My break came when I was hired by NS Guzder and Company to work in their Logistics and Cargo Forwarding Group about 35 years ago. Within the first three months, I had found my calling. The industry was a little different then, for one thing, it was strongly male-dominated and women struggled to find meaningful roles in logistics and supply chain management.
Luckily, that has changed a bit for women now, thanks to the trailblazers before us, there are some female leaders who have made a mark for themselves and for womanhood.
Over the years the lessons learned have stayed with me and helped me succeed, I have nurtured a new generation of women leaders in the industry, and many of these learnings are still relevant for the women I mentor today. I share five of my top tips for women who want to succeed in logistics and supply chain management today.
1. Keep the thirst for learning new things alive and embrace it.
Embracing new things to learn in a short period of time got me hooked on logistics and supply chain management. After 35 years in the field, I still learn new things every day. We live in a world that is fast-paced and constantly evolving, particularly in our industry, so it never gets dull.
2. Believe in yourself when opportunities come along
Today I am the Managing Director of the entire South Asia Region for a global Supply Chain and Logistics provider, but I started at the dockyard clearing and forwarding large amounts of oversized cargo. This gave me a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the day-to-day difficulties faced by my fellow freight managers. The idea of leading the entire organization eventually was unthinkable and daunting, but self-belief and the support of family and mentors gave me the strength to succeed.
3. Find a mentor to support you
From the dockyards to operations manager was a big step up, handling both air and ocean freight. Along with this came new learning in terminology, transit details, and process changes.
Working closely with more experienced senior international colleagues, I found guidance, direction, and amazing support, this learning has made my life easier today in supporting my teams. The presence of a quality mentor is priceless and I was blessed to have found them. The invaluable support and input from the senior leadership team have been the foundation on which I stand tall today.
4. Get involved in the causes you care about
The causes that I care most about and am extremely passionate about are in sync with the company I represent. My commitment to gender-neutral policies, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness benefit me in being the best version of myself, and all the colleagues that I am surrounded by.
Chairperson & Member Board
Globe Forwarding Agencies
5. Choose a company that recognizes your value
Seek out great companies to work for, and see how they treat their women employees and all employees. Information and shared experiences of this are readily available in the current information age. This will enable more women to bring their best selves to work and help in developing into bigger and brighter career prospects.
In conclusion, let me leave all women in and outside our logistics and supply chain industry with this last thought.
Remember: The future is bright
We are in one of the most exciting times to be building supply chains and other industries, so take on more challenging roles, use new experiences to grow, and find out exactly where you belong in the larger picture.
