The Director of Global Corporate Key Account Management at Saudia Cargo shares her perspectives on fostering inclusion, navigating industry challenges, and empowering women leaders.
1. As a leader, how do you foster diversity and inclusion within your teams?
Fostering diversity and inclusion within my teams is a priority that I approach with intentionality. I implement structured recruitment processes that actively seek diverse talent, ensuring our hiring panels reflect varied perspectives. Additionally, I advocate for inclusive practices by creating an environment where all voices are valued. This includes regular training on unconscious bias and cultural competency, which helps team members understand and appreciate different backgrounds. I also encourage open dialogue about diversity, allowing team members to share their experiences and insights, ultimately fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.
2. What role do you believe mentorship plays in empowering women and fostering a culture of diversity in organizations?
Mentorship is crucial in empowering women and cultivating a diverse organizational culture. It provides a platform for knowledge sharing, skill development, and networking opportunities that are often less accessible to women in male-dominated industries. Through mentorship, women can gain insights from experienced leaders, navigate challenges, and build confidence in their abilities. At Saudia Cargo, we have established formal mentorship programs that pair emerging female leaders with seasoned professionals. This initiative not only empowers individual mentees but also contributes to a broader culture of support and inclusivity within the organization.
3. The cargo and logistics industry faced significant disruptions during the pandemic. What were the key lessons you learned, and how did Saudia Cargo adapt to these challenges?
The pandemic underscored the importance of agility and innovation in the cargo and logistics industry. One key lesson was the necessity of diversifying our operational strategies to mitigate risks associated with global disruptions. At Saudia Cargo, we quickly adapted by enhancing our digital capabilities, streamlining processes, and expanding our service offerings to meet changing customer needs. For instance, we accelerated the implementation of e-commerce solutions to facilitate online transactions and improve customer engagement. This adaptability not only helped us navigate the immediate challenges but also positioned us for future growth in an evolving market landscape.
4. How do you personally stay resilient and adaptable in the face of rapidly changing industry dynamics?
Staying resilient and adaptable requires a proactive mindset and continuous learning. I prioritize staying informed about industry trends through regular engagement with thought leaders and participation in relevant forums. This allows me to anticipate changes rather than react to them. Additionally, I practice mindfulness techniques that help me maintain focus during high-pressure situations. Embracing feedback from my team also fosters adaptability; it encourages a culture where we collectively learn from our experiences and pivot as necessary to meet our goals.
5. Who has been your greatest inspiration or role model in your career, and how have they influenced your leadership journey?
My greatest inspiration has been my mentor from my early career days at Lufthansa Cargo. She exemplified resilience and strategic thinking while navigating her own challenges as a woman in leadership. Her approach to problem-solving taught me the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and the value of building strong relationships across all levels of an organization. Her influence instilled in me the belief that effective leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and unwavering integrity—principles I strive to embody every day.
6. What are the values or principles that you hold most dear and consistently apply in your work and life?
Integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement are values I hold dear in both my professional and personal life. Integrity ensures that I remain honest and transparent in all dealings, fostering trust among my colleagues and stakeholders. Collaboration is essential for leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve common goals; it enhances creativity and problem-solving within teams. Lastly, I believe in continuous improvement—both personally and organizationally—by seeking opportunities for growth through feedback, training, and innovation.
7. For women looking to make a mark in traditionally male-dominated industries, what skills or qualities do you think are most essential?
For women aspiring to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries, essential skills include strong communication abilities, resilience, and strategic networking. Effective communication allows for clear articulation of ideas while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. Resilience is vital for navigating setbacks; it enables individuals to learn from challenges rather than be deterred by them. Additionally, strategic networking is crucial for building relationships that can open doors to opportunities for advancement.
8. If you could go back and give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would it be?
If I could advise my younger self at the start of my career, I would emphasize the importance of embracing every opportunity for growth without fear of failure. I would encourage myself to take risks—whether it’s pursuing challenging projects or seeking leadership roles—because each experience contributes significantly to personal development. Additionally, I would stress the value of building a strong professional network early on; connections can provide invaluable support throughout one’s career journey.
