Advice From Female Leadership in Transportation and Logistics

Each year, we recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month in March. This is a perfect time to encourage the employment of women in the transportation and logistics industry and to celebrate the success of the women that have made a lasting impact. Recently, women in a variety of leadership roles at Werner Logistics shared their experience in the industry, insight on the importance of being an effective leader and why associates should consider joining a mentorship program.

How did you get started in the transportation and logistics industry?

“I saw Werner at a career fair at the university I attended and recognized the name because one of my friends interned at Werner. When I initially interviewed with the asset division, I really had no idea what the job entailed. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else!”

– Amy, Director of Logistics Freight Management

“I started in transportation right out of college. My first job was at a railroad company where I learned the basics of intermodal and the transportation industry. It was extremely beneficial and I am thankful for that start. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the knowledge and experience I gained from working there.”

– Katy, Intermodal Operations Supervisor

“I started in supply chain working for a manufacturer as my first ‘real’ job out of college and moved around various functions within that company before ending in the transportation department. From there, my contact network opened up a position working in international logistics at Werner and I have been blessed to spend the last 12 years managing international transportation.”

– Kaylee, Director of Operations International

“I was referred to Werner by an employee 15 years ago. I started off in an entry-level position with no prior transportation experience. However, the daily challenge and opportunity for advancement played a part in my career choice.”

– Stacy, Operations Supervisor

What’s your favorite part about working in the transportation and logistics industry?

“I love that no two days are the same and every day there are opportunities to continue learning. Transportation and logistics have lots of challenges and there is a thrill when you work through them and come out the other side successfully delivering results to your customer.”

– Kaylee, Director of Operations International

“What I enjoy the most about transportation is that the industry is exciting and there is never a dull moment. Also, I love the people I work with. We have a great team here at Werner and a tight-knit culture.”

– Katy, Intermodal Operations Supervisor

What talent or strengths do you rely on most in your daily life as a leader?

“Communication is definitely at the top of the list. In Logistics, we deal with multiple execution groups, carriers, customers, etc. It is necessary to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of the goal.”

– Amy, Director of Logistics Freight Management

“Leading by example, teamwork, dependability and great communication.”

– Stacy, Operations Supervisor

How do you regularly communicate the importance of value and quality service to the people you lead or manage?

“In our industry, our biggest asset is service. There are thousands of logistics/transportation providers that do what we do. I remind our team that the importance of having a strong relationship with our customers. We hold daily service metric meetings and frequent scorecard reviews to hold ourselves accountable. We also celebrate success. What good is the hustle without adding a little fun?”

– Katy, Intermodal Operations Supervisor

“We are on the front-line for customer service so our team has regularly scheduled meetings to review current challenges with an ongoing focus on what we need to do to provide the best service to our customers.”

– Kaylee, Director of Operations International

What advice would you offer to a young woman entering a career in the transportation and logistics industry?

“Step outside of your comfort zone and push yourself beyond your limits to achieve more. Understanding your true capabilities will help you to expect more for yourself.”

– Stacy, Operations Supervisor

“Learn as much as possible. One thing that I try to do is look at new challenges as something I can learn from, because inevitably it will come up again, and then you can be the go-to person to offer up advice to how you tackled a situation. You gain knowledge and credibility through those scenarios.”

– Amy, Director of Logistics Freight Management

What are the benefits of a company mentorship program?

“Mentoring provides a great network within organizations to match up seasoned, quality employees with newer, upcoming talent. It provides a support system that promotes and fosters mentees’ growth and helps employees with ongoing development in their professional careers. It is a natural peer training program that can help cultivate potential management candidates.”

– Kaylee, Director of Operations International

“Having a mentor was something I pursued after I had been at Werner for a while. Looking back I wish I would have pursued it earlier. It is very beneficial to have someone that can offer up advice, previous experiences, be a sounding board and also challenge you. There were times when I wanted to stay in my comfort zone, but my mentor challenged me to break out of that. It may have been scary at the time, but it was necessary for my growth.”

– Amy, Director of Logistics Freight Management

Many companies like Werner offer mentorship programs or similar networking opportunities. Joining a mentorship program can help an associate maximize their potential and establishes lasting relationships. Thank you to the leaders of Werner Logistics for sharing their experiences and insight.

If you are interested in an exciting career opportunity, please visit WernerCareers.com