Empowering Women in Contract Logistics: Insights from a Philippines Director

Introduction: A Leader in Contract Logistics

In the ever-evolving world of logistics, strong leadership is crucial for success. Today, we spotlight Irma, the Director of Contract Logistics/SCM & National Distribution in Manila, Philippines, for the APAC region. Her story is not just about personal achievement but also about paving the way for future leaders in the industry.

Irma's role is multifaceted and demanding, encompassing:

• Managing over 2,300 employees
• Overseeing the profit and loss of more than 225,000 sqm of warehouse space
• Developing the Philippines real estate strategy
• Driving Contract Logistics growth through aggressive business development (SELECT to WIN)
• Implementing Operational Excellence programs
• Ensuring flawless implementation of new warehouses

Her extensive responsibilities highlight the complexity and importance of her position in the logistics industry. Let's delve deeper into Irma's insights and experiences in this challenging yet rewarding field.

The Unique Aspects of Contract Logistics

When asked about what makes her work in Contract Logistics special, Irma's response reflects her passion for growth and development. She states, "This leadership position in Contract Logistics allows me to challenge myself so I can constantly raise the bar for myself and the team." This mindset of continuous improvement is crucial in an industry that's always evolving.

But it's not just about personal growth. Irma also sees her role as an opportunity to showcase Filipino talent on a global stage. She adds, "My role also allows me to raise the Philippine flag and showcase our Filipino talents to the world." This perspective underscores the importance of diverse representation in international logistics and how local talent can contribute to global success.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Despite her demanding role, Irma maintains a healthy work-life balance. She engages in various sports, including cycling, running, and badminton. These activities are not just hobbies but personal challenges, as she sets targets and records to beat each time she participates. This approach to personal activities mirrors her professional ethos of continuous improvement and goal-setting.

The ability to maintain such a balance is crucial in high-stress industries like logistics. It demonstrates that success in the field doesn't have to come at the cost of personal well-being and interests.

A Vision for Leadership Development

One of the most intriguing aspects of Irma's approach is her personal goal within the organization. She states, "My goal is to make myself OBSOLETE in the organization." At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive, but her explanation reveals a deep commitment to talent development and organizational growth.

Irma elaborates, "It has always been my passion to develop talents. Talents are developed and born out of intensive observation and evaluation. As a country CL leader, I am in the position to identify and nurture high potential talents to prepare the future of the organization."

This philosophy of leadership - focusing on developing others to the point where they can take over your role - is a hallmark of truly transformational leaders. It ensures the longevity and continued success of the organization beyond any individual's tenure.

Key Strengths in Contract Logistics

When discussing her strengths, Irma highlights a combination of hard and soft skills that are crucial in her role:

• Technical knowledge in Contract Logistics/Supply Chain
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Communication
• Negotiation Skills

This blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills is what makes Irma effective in her role. Technical knowledge forms the foundation, while skills like empathy and communication enable her to lead and motivate her team effectively. Negotiation skills are crucial in a role that involves managing relationships with various stakeholders, from employees to clients and partners.

Advice for Women in Contract Logistics

Irma's advice for women planning their careers in Contract Logistics is both encouraging and practical. She emphasizes several key points:

1. Embrace the field: "Women should not be afraid to pursue a career in CL." This encouragement is crucial in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.
2. Strive for excellence: "We should always strive for excellence so we can prove our value in the workplace." This advice applies universally but is particularly important for women in industries where they might face additional scrutiny.
3. Leverage strengths: "Women's nurturing capability could be an advantage. Use it and leverage our strengths to push our agenda and develop more female leaders in our organization." This point highlights the unique perspectives and skills that women can bring to leadership roles in logistics.
4. Build support systems: "We need to create a deeper support system for our female leaders in order to guarantee success in our organization." Irma recognizes the importance of mentorship and support networks in fostering women's success in the industry.

Irma's final point about the importance of women building networks to support each other is particularly noteworthy. It suggests that individual success should be leveraged to create opportunities for other women, fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry overall.

The Role of FreightAmigo in Supporting Women in Logistics

As we at FreightAmigo reflect on Irma's insights, we recognize the importance of supporting and empowering women in the logistics industry. Our Digital Logistics Platform is designed to provide tools and solutions that can help professionals like Irma streamline their operations and focus on strategic initiatives such as talent development and business growth.

Here's how FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Solution can support women leaders in Contract Logistics:

1. Efficient Quote Comparison: Our platform allows users to compare door-to-door freight quotes for various transportation modes, enabling leaders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
2. Real-time Tracking: With the ability to track shipment status anytime, anywhere, leaders can stay on top of operations and provide timely updates to stakeholders.
3. Streamlined Services: By offering customs clearance, cargo insurance, and trade finance services in one stop, we help simplify complex logistics processes.
4. Automated Documentation: Our system automates shipment documents, reducing manual work and allowing leaders to focus on strategic tasks like talent development.
5. 24/7 Expert Support: With round-the-clock logistics expert support, we ensure that professionals have the assistance they need, when they need it.

These features align with Irma's emphasis on efficiency, excellence, and continuous improvement in the logistics industry. By leveraging such digital solutions, women leaders in logistics can further enhance their effectiveness and create more time for strategic initiatives like mentoring and developing future talents.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Future Leaders

Irma's insights provide a valuable perspective on leadership in Contract Logistics, particularly from a woman's point of view. Her emphasis on continuous learning, talent development, and creating supportive networks for women in the industry are lessons that can benefit all professionals in logistics, regardless of gender.

As we at FreightAmigo continue to develop our Digital Logistics Platform, we're inspired by leaders like Irma who are shaping the future of the industry. We're committed to providing Digital Logistics Solutions that support and empower all professionals in logistics, fostering an environment where talent can thrive and innovation can flourish.

The future of logistics is digital, diverse, and dynamic. By embracing these changes and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and efficient industry that benefits everyone. Whether you're an established leader like Irma or just starting your career in logistics, remember that your unique perspective and skills are valuable. The logistics industry needs diverse voices and experiences to continue growing and evolving.

We encourage all our readers, especially women in logistics, to share their experiences and insights. How has your journey in logistics been? What challenges have you faced, and what successes have you achieved? By sharing our stories, we can inspire and support each other, creating a stronger, more diverse logistics industry for the future.