CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 39
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Together, we can
Realise our Shared
Objectives through
Mutual Empowerment
and Collaboration
CLAUDIA WEIDENBUSCH
Managing Director,
Cargogate
Career Evolution
During my academic pursuits,
I secured a part-time role in
passenger handling at Munich
Airport, a commitment I maintained throughout my studies.
Upon graduation, I transitioned
into overseeing the HR, Legal,
and Business Development
departments for subsidiaries
focussed on passenger and freight
handling. Following the division
of the Ground Handling Group
in 2016, I stepped into the role of
Managing Director at Cargogate,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Munich Airport.
Influence of Latin Wisdom
on Career Approach
A Latin quote that encapsulates
my work philosophy is 'Quidquid
agis, prudenter agas et respice
finem,' which translates to
'whatever you do, do it wisely
and consider the consequences.'
This principle guides my actions,
as I always strive to anticipate
potential outcomes and have
contingency plans in place,
represented by my adherence
to Plans B, C, and even D. I
prioritise understanding the
broader context, even when it
extends beyond my immediate
area of expertise. Throughout
my career, thinking outside
the box has been a constant
companion, driving innovation
and problem-solving in every
endeavour.
Focussing on Strengths
I prefer to focus on the advantages
rather than dwelling on the negatives. Being underestimated as
a woman can be a significant
advantage, especially in maledominated environments where
my presence tends to be more
memorable. I admire traits such
as innovation, decisiveness, and
a robust memory. One 昀椀gure I
particularly respect is former
Ford CEO Lee Iacocca. Despite his
complex personality, I admire his
innovative spirit and willingness
to make and stand by decisions.
Creating Win-Win Situations
The trust I've earned from both
past superiors and current team
members has profoundly shaped
my journey as a manager. My
primary objective has consistently
been to foster win-win scenarios,
leveraging the advantage of trust
to guide and empower my team.
For me, leadership entails inspiring trust in others and instilling
con昀椀dence that together, we can
realise our shared objectives
through mutual empowerment
and collaboration.
Balancing Friendship and
Leadership
You should only become a manager
when you have enough friends.
You won’t find new ones if you
decide to stand by your decisions.
Finding Peace in Acceptance
I wouldn't change a thing about
my past experiences. Mistakes
There's no need to pretend. While some
advocate for 'faking it until you make it',
authenticity is key. Success is achieved
through collaboration, regardless of gender
or generation. Working together as a cohesive
team, with individuals supporting one
another, is essential. Be both a team
player and a leader, and the team will
naturally follow.
and failures are valuable lessons
that shape who we are. To erase
them would be to erase a part
of myself. I hold no blame for
myself; I am content with the
person I've become.
Last Thing to Choose and
Fulfil in Life
If I could choose a superpower, it would probably be
telepathy. Then, I wouldn't have
to develop a plan B, C and D for
everything, but would know
immediately what my counterpart wants and could use that
in negotiations.
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