CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 31
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Lead with Empathy
SHALINI SINGH
Director, Scorpion Express
Transitioning into Logistics
Leadership
Entering the logistics field
marked a significant shift in
my career, heavily in昀氀uenced
by my husband, the CMD of our
company. His dedication to the
industry and vision for our company’s role in transforming the
supply chain landscape inspired
me. Motivated by his encouragement and my deepening interest
in the sector’s complexities and
global impact, I chose to join
him in assuming the company’s
mantle. My journey into logistics
was a blend of curiosity and
strategic decision-making. Over
time, as I pursued opportunities
to understand logistics intricacies, my passion for solving
complex problems and driving
e昀케ciency and sustainability led
me into leadership roles within
the sector.
Empathetic Leadership
I would describe my work personality as resilient, strategic, and
empathetic. Leading by example
and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are integral to
my approach, while encouraging
my team to push boundaries is
a priority. Balancing analytical
thinking with empathetic leadership has been key to navigating
the challenges of this dynamic
industry.
Finding Fulfilment
Success in any field demands
sacrifices, and for me, it has
meant juggling tight schedules
and high-stress situations alongside personal commitments.
The most signi昀椀cant sacri昀椀ce
has been time—time away from
family and personal pursuits.
Yet, the fulfilment derived
from my work and the impactful changes we achieve help to
o昀昀set these sacri昀椀ces. Investing
time in personal well-being and
connections can lead to more
sustainable success.
Importance of Supportive
Networks
Navigating a traditionally maledominated 昀椀eld has emphasised
the significance of resilience
and assertiveness. One valuable
lesson learned is the power of
fostering supportive networks.
Women in logistics frequently
experience isolation; therefore,
nurturing relationships and
mentoring others has not only
enriched my career; as well a
way for more women to succeed
in this space.
Leading with Humility and
Confidence
The leaders I admire most
embody integrity, vision, and the
capacity to inspire and mobilise
others toward a shared goal. They
strike a balance between humility
and con昀椀dence, prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, and
are committed lifelong learners.
‘Lead with empathy.’ principle
has become a cornerstone of my
leadership style. One leader I
deeply admire is Indra Nooyi,
former CEO of PepsiCo, for
her transformative leadership
and dedication to growth with
purpose.
Leading Under Pressure
A pivotal moment in my career
came when tasked with implementing substantial branding changes and improving
operational excellence to boost
customer satisfaction. Leading
this project under tight deadlines
and pressure was challenging, demanding streamlining
of operational activities and
rebranding despite obstacles.
This experience highlighted the
If I could possess one superpower, it would
be the ability to instantly understand and
fluently speak any language. In a global
industry like logistics, this capability
would transcend barriers, facilitate deeper
connections, and enhance collaboration
across diverse cultures.
signi昀椀cance of clear communication, team resilience, and agile
decision-making. It shaped my
leadership style, emphasising
collaboration, adaptability, and
maintaining composure under
pressure. Overcoming these
challenges not only achieved
operational excellence but also
greatly enhanced the customer
experience, marking a transformative phase in our company’s
journey.
Embrace Your Unique
Strengths
My advice to women aspiring for
leadership positions is to embrace
your unique perspective and
strengths. Seek out mentors,
remain open to learning, and
don’t shy away from challenges.
Remember, leadership isn’t solely
about reaching the summit; it’s
also about how you can positively
impact and uplift others along
your journey.
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