CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 42
COVER STORY
SUPER WOMEN IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Assert Yourself
Confidently, and
Challenge the Status quo
CELINE HOURCADE
Founder, Change Horizon
From Digital
Transformation to Aviation
With a background in digital
transformation and a deep passion for aviation, I’ve navigated
through consulting roles and pivotal positions at industry giants
like Amadeus and IATA. Initially
focussed on driving global digital
transformation projects, particularly in electronic ticketing
for passengers, my transition to
IATA’s cargo department in 2008
opened my eyes to the intricacies
of the air cargo industry. Under
the leadership of Des Vertannes,
I delved deeper into this sector,
ultimately founding Change
Horizon to revolutionise digital
solutions in aviation.
Thriving in Change
I excel in problem-solving, am a
quick learner, dedicated worker,
and driven by results. My passion lies in listening, observing,
and innovating to address areas
needing improvement. I thrive
in change and embrace it as my
comfort zone.
Making Your Well-Being a
Priority
I’ve learned the importance
of prioritising my health after
neglecting it for years. Now, I
prioritise it alongside managing my career and raising two
children with my supportive
husband.
Asking for You Rights
Firmly and Fairly
As a woman in my career, I’ve
learned the vital lesson of resilience and perseverance amidst
gender bias and challenges. Since
day one, I’ve encountered unconscious biases against women
in the workplace. However,
42 | CARGOCONNECT MARCH 2024
I’ve learned to assert myself
con昀椀dently, challenge the status
quo, and build supportive communities to break these biases.
Leadership Values
I admire leaders who prioritise
their team’s well-being, have
vision, mentor younger talents,
o昀昀er support, and build communities. I want to express
gratitude to exceptional air
cargo professionals who have
been inspiring mentors: Ram
Menen and Christos Spirou.
Building Stronger
Connections
The most valuable advice I’ve
received, especially looking at the
air cargo industry’s challenges,
is to seek common ground and
build partnerships even while
holding strong convictions.
Despite being seen as opinionated, I’ve learned the importance
of collaboration and compromise for mutual bene昀椀t. This
advice has helped me navigate
complexities with grace, fostering stronger relationships and
collective success. It reminds
me that while standing firm
in our beliefs is crucial, listening, empathising, and 昀椀nding
common solutions are equally
essential for progress together.
Advocating for Fairness
In hindsight, I’d have been more
proactive in seeking allies and
mentors for support in navigating challenges. Establishing a
robust network, particularly
in male-dominated sectors like
air cargo, is vital. I also regret
not addressing gender bias and
discrimination promptly, advocating for workplace equality
and fairness.
For women in male-dominated industries
like air cargo, embrace assertiveness and
confidence unabashedly. Despite labels like
“bossy,” see these traits as strengths to enact
change. Surround yourself with supportive
individuals who value your perspective. Your
voice and contributions are crucial to industry evolution. Support others, stay authentic,
and don’t let anyone dim your light. Prioritise
self-care and maintain work-life balance for
sustainable success.
Striving for Fairness
and Merit
If I could have one superpower,
it would be the ability to e昀昀ortlessly break down barriers and
biases, fostering a culture of
inclusivity and respect in all
aspects of life. Imagine a world
where individuals are judged
based on their merits and
contributions rather than preconceived notions or stereotypes.
That’s what I am trying to do
through the Women in Aviation
and Logistics association I cofounded 3 years ago.
