When talking to logistics professionals over the years, a common thread emerges – they almost all fell into this industry. In other words, they didn’t study supply chain or logistics in college, or start their careers in the field, but they eventually landed in the industry, fell in love with it, and have never looked back. Why choose a career in logistics? The best way to answer that question is by asking those who are on the frontlines of logistics today. That’s why I discussed this topic with Danielle Shuey, Vice President of Service Delivery at Loadsmart, on a recent episode of Talking Logistics.
Falling Into Logistics
Like most logistics professionals, Danielle didn’t start out in the field. She got her degree in sociology and political science from Clemson University in 2009 when job prospects were limited. Fortuitously, as Danielle shares in the short clip below, a one-day contract assignment to work at C.H. Robinson turned into a career opportunity.
“Once I found out about all of the diverse opportunities in the industry, I feel very fortunate to have taken that one-day job almost 14 years ago.”
Daniele has worked in truckload, less-than-truckload, and global forwarding roles, and she currently supports Loadsmart’s managed transportation services. She also had the opportunity to work as a senior operations leader in China in a previous role. “It was life changing,” says Danielle. Watch the short clip below for some of what Danielle learned while working in China.
“If you’re based in the U.S. and managing a global company and trying to develop a global strategy for your transportation management, it’s so important to think in terms of change management, to expect there are going to be technical differences that need to be accounted for, and as you’re going through the implementation process, making sure you bring the right representation from those countries to the table,” advises Danielle.
Women in Logistics
Although there are more women in logistics today than in the past, it still is not a profession that many women may consider for a career. I asked Danielle about the current status and what can be done to attract more women to the profession.
“I think you’re seeing not only more women but also other underrepresented groups entering the field. The world is becoming more diverse and it’s important that companies can connect to all parties globally and have diversity in their operations and leadership to understand and connect with all groups. Women bring a lot of strengths to the world of logistics.
“I think there are several ways to achieve this. One is to make it a priority at all levels. When young women examine a potential company to join, they will look at the leadership ranks to see if there are women there and therefore see a career path for themselves.
“Second is to invest in those young employees and make sure they have the mentoring and support to learn and succeed. That coaching can help them optimize their careers.
“The third area is benefit programs. Young women may be focusing on their careers but are also looking to start a family. The perception is still out there that in a fast-paced and stressful industry like logistics it might be difficult to do both. Companies’ parental care policies and leave policies can help address these issues. Beyond that it’s making sure there is a culture that supports working parents. All these measures help to make women feel welcomed and supported and make them feel comfortable that they can invest in their careers while also focusing on their families.”
The Rewards
I asked Danielle what she considers the best rewards she has gotten from being in the logistics industry. In addition to the experience of working in China, she mentions the opportunity to lead teams and help coworkers with their career development and navigating the stresses of work, as she explains in the clip below.
“And of course, working with customers,” Danielle adds. “Really approaching customer relationships from a place of partnership and finding win-win solutions. The logistics industry can be very chaotic. Being able to work through the challenges with customers and your team and emerge on the other side with solutions is very rewarding.”
Building a Career
Danielle offered some great advice for how people can build their careers and move up the leadership ladder. Therefore, I recommend you watch the full episode for all of Danielle’s insights and advice. Then post a question or comment and keep the conversation going!
