CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 37
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
A Woman's Presence
is More than Symbolic;
It Catalyses Change
STEPHANIE ABELER
Vice President – Americas,
Lufthansa Cargo
Addressing Intriguing
Challenges
Transitioning to the logistics sector a昀昀orded me the chance to join
a distinct culture within a smaller
unit of the Lufthansa Group.
This move not only expanded
my international experience
but also presented opportunities to explore working abroad.
Moreover, the supply chain,
freight, and logistics industry
is gaining signi昀椀cance in today’s
global landscape, bringing forth
intriguing challenges.
Adding Value and
Fostering Unity
My work approach centers on
supporting and adding value to
my team, driven by a genuine
passion and a commitment to
excellence. I prioritise finding
common values, fostering unity,
and celebrating successes, which
not only strengthens our team
bond but also enhances our collective achievements, making our
work environment more ful昀椀ling.
The Leadership Approach
As someone lacking 昀椀rst-hand male
perspective, my understanding of
gender dynamics in professional
settings is theoretical. However,
my approach to collaboration and
leadership differs from peers,
as I’m more open to discussing
mistakes. Being the sole woman
in male-dominated meetings is not
only unique but transformative.
It disrupts norms, obliging me to
champion diverse viewpoints and
ensure my input shapes conversations. A woman’s presence is
more than symbolic; it catalyses
change, emphasising the value of
diversity in challenging traditional
dynamics and fostering inclusivity.
Impactful Contributions
I admire Michelle Obama and
Blake Lively for their passion,
intelligence, and authenticity,
qualities that deeply resonate
with me. They assertively stand
up for their beliefs and make
signi昀椀cant impacts in their 昀椀elds
without seeking undue attention
or controversy.
Extracting Value from
Unfamiliar Tasks
Twice, I’ve led teams in entirely
new work fields without prior
expertise. Despite my lack of
speci昀椀c knowledge, I maintained
openness, empowered my team,
and avoided micromanagement.
This taught me the crucial lesson
of never losing con昀椀dence or shying away from seemingly daunting
challenges. I’ve discovered that
such tasks o昀昀er the most signi昀椀cant opportunities for personal
and professional growth.
Exercising Good Judgment
with Humility
Firstly, prioritise your battles
wisely, reserving your energy
and time for significant challenges rather than unnecessary
conflicts. Secondly, live in the
present moment, avoiding excessive concern about the future or
dwelling on the past. Embracing the present enriches life’s
experiences, fostering joy and
satisfaction in daily life. This
perspective reminds us to cherish
each moment, acknowledging its
unpredictability and making the
most of our time.
Maximising Life’s
Experiences
Optimism de昀椀nes my outlook.
I view every experience as a
chance to learn, even when
As a woman navigating a male-dominated
field, my advice to aspiring female leaders in
business is to prioritise networking and fostering strong relationships. Surround yourself
with mentors and allies who can support your
career progression. Maintain confidence in your
abilities, assert yourself when necessary, and
reject gender stereotypes that may undermine
your worth. Keep a record of meaningful compliments to boost your spirits and remind yourself of your value during challenging times.
outcomes diverge from expectations. While contemplating
alternate life paths can be
daunting, I recognise change as a
catalyst for fresh opportunities.
Regular self-re昀氀ection guides me
toward personal and professional
alignment. If ever faced with
dissatisfaction, I interpret it as a
call to embrace change, fostering
growth and exploration of new
avenues.
The Power of
Perspective
If I could possess a superpower,
I’d choose invisibility. This
would grant me the freedom
to observe situations discreetly,
promoting active listening over
speaking. Such a shift in focus
would enable me to gain fresh
perspectives and support my
team without attracting attention to myself.
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