4 minute read
Women in Logistics
from Women in Mining
by wim-magazine
Laurice Burrell New General Manager at Rhenus Logis�cs South Africa
Women in Logis�cs
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Laurice Burrell has just been appointed General Manager at Rhenus Logis�cs, a promo�on of a female senior execu�ve is welcomed in the
rather male-dominated industry. Managing Director Dirk Goedhart says: “Diversity and inclusivety are key components of the Rhenus culture.
Laurice Burrell has been appointed to the execu�ve posi�on of General Manager to bring not only her remarkable leadership quali�es but a fresh and diferent perspec�ve to management that will assist in nego�a�ng what I an�cipate may be difficult roads ahead.”
To highlight the importance of women in transport, Laurice Burrell shares her views on the role
of women in logis�cs.
Was it a your dream to work in logis�cs and transport?
Before I joined the logis�cs industry, I was involved in the import and export of stocks in the corporate gi�ing industry. This sparked my interest in global trade and in 2009 I joined an interna�onal freight forwarder in a finance role. Here, I discovered the incredible complexity and dynamics of the global freight market. With a woman’s eye for detail, I enjoyed how each part of the industry is so different – and which you need to fully understand, to move a consignment successfully. Not one day is ever the same. When you feel you need to challenge yourself, all you need to do is move to a different part of the industry. You can spend an en�re life�me in logis�cs and s�ll be constantly challenged and your mind expanded every day.
Being in freight forwarding exposes you to so much more than ‘transport’ but rather an understanding of global market trends that influence every decision you make for clients. If you embrace the ever-changing environment and daily learnings, you will love this industry.
How has the logis�cs landscape changed in the last 12 years?
We live in a completely different world today. Let’s just take the past year, during the pandemic: rates have soared; transit �mes have become unreliable; airfreight capacity has decreased dras�cally. Adaptability is esen�al for business growth in this environment, and Rhenus has swi�ly adapted.
More importantly, the industry has become more invi�ng and accep�ng for women. We have proved our worth – though we have had to earn our posi�on today - through strong administra�on and planning skills.
Can you tell us about your journey to where you are now?
A�er a few months in the industry, I realised that my passion lies with opera�ons, and I moved into airfreight, predominately dealing with Africa. Therea�er I was
appointed head of Air, Road and Ocean opera�ons within the exports mining division. I excelled in customer service and made the
obvious carreer step to Client Service Manager at Rhenus Logis�cs in 2017. A�er four years I was promoted to my current posi�on of General Manager, from September 2021. I am thrilled and very excited about this. My mo�va�on is to make a difference and add value to
everything I am part of, whether it’s suppor�ng my team and helping them grow as individuals; or leading from the front, which is my management style.
How do you think the transport and logis�cs landscape may change?
Digitalisa�on is a crucial driver of change in the industry. Live data is key for the transparency of global processes. Diversity is another change: women have come a long way - the value we add is increasingly recognised and I expect more woman to find careers in logis�cs. Diversity – not only of gender, but also of race - is key to drive compe��veness and produc�vity. As women, we see things differently, adding immense value to our solu�ons.
How does Rhenus Logis�cs support women?
As an equal opportunity company that embraces diversity, Rhenus focuses on empowering employees, giving each the opportunity to grow and define their op�mal career path, globally. Employees receive regular training, the chance to study and complete industry cer�fica�on, and support.
Goedhart adds: “I wish to congratulate Laurice on her promo�on - she epitomises female leadershiop quali�es of a�en�on to detail amd humanity, with leading from the front.”
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