CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 29
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Resilience amidst
Adversity – A
Catalyst for Growth
JANET WALLACE
Managing Director– Cargo Operations
and Transformations, Air Canada
Ascending the Corporate
Ladder
I began my professional journey as
a customer service representative
in 1996 in the airline's passenger division. Over the course of
eight years, since 2016, I steadily
ascended the corporate ladder and
transitioned to a role within Air
Canada Cargo. Currently, I hold
responsibilities for overseeing
operations and spearheading
pivotal transformation initiatives
within the organisation.
Finding Strength in
Adversity
Navigating a male-dominated
field has presented both challenges and opportunities, shaping
my journey with a unique blend
of experiences. Embracing my
distinct perspective as a woman
has empowered me, turning
adversity into strength. However,
this path has required sacri昀椀ces,
impacting personal time and
adding stress. Yet, I prioritise selfcare and quality time with loved
ones to maintain balance and
well-being amidst the demands
of my career.
Shattering Stereotypes
My journey through a maledominated industry has been a
full of challenges and triumphs,
revealing great insights along
the way. Despite facing biases
and hurdles—being underestimated, overlooked, and often
stereotyped—I’ve found resilience
in adversity. Each obstacle became
an opportunity, propelling me
to work harder, innovate more
boldly, and carve out a distinctive
niche. Amidst the struggle, I discovered the power of authenticity,
using my unique perspective
not as a hindrance, but as a
catalyst for change. Embracing
my identity as a woman in this
arena, I’ve shattered stereotypes,
forged meaningful connections,
and elevated the conversation,
proving that strength knows
no gender.
Authenticity and Grace:
Pillars of Sincere
Leadership
I admire leaders who possess
a clear and compelling vision,
grounded in integrity and honesty. Their courage to embrace
risks and make decisive choices
sets them apart, inspiring trust
and con昀椀dence. Yet, amidst their
boldness, they never lose sight
of empathy and compassion,
recognising the human element
in every interaction. Equally vital
is the preservation of authenticity
and grace, anchoring their leadership in sincerity and humility.
It’s this balance of strength and
vulnerability that truly de昀椀nes
exemplary leadership, leaving a
lasting impact on those they serve.
Living with Purpose
The most valuable advice
I’ve received is to “mind my
own business”. This counsel
underscores the signi昀椀cance of
authenticity and resilience, urging me to stay true to myself and
not allow external in昀氀uences to
de昀椀ne or restrict me. Embracing
this guidance has empowered
me to cultivate a genuine sense
of self and pursue my aspirations
I embody a proactive and collaborative
leadership style, grounded in clear goalsetting and empowerment. Communication
is paramount in my approach, fostering trust
and respect within the team. Continual
process improvement and a dedication to
service excellence drive my actions, complemented by a passion for learning and
embracing progress.
with unwavering determination.
Furthermore, it highlights the
importance of curiosity and
continuous learning in fostering
personal growth and ful昀椀lment.
By embracing authenticity and
embracing a lifelong journey of
discovery, I strive to unlock my
full potential and live a purpose-
ful, ful昀椀ling life.
Keeping Options Broad
Focusing on moving sideways
can be just as rewarding as
moving up.
A Strong Wish
If I could have one superpower,
it would be to make everything
okay for everybody.
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