We could kick-off a philosophical discussion, here, about whether something truly exists if it is not talked about. And that question could include the aspects of who defines what is published, how, where, which angle, and what bias – if any? When is communication marketing and when is it journalism? Communication, in all its forms, is a crucial element of the air cargo industry and could be used to much more effect by most of its stakeholders than it currently is. That is why – in the spirit of democratic communication – CargoForwarder Global has chosen to ‘Spotlight On’ Charlotte Goldstone (CG), News Reporter over at The Loadstar, this week. She takes us through her first impressions of the industry, her daily work, and has advice for those looking to join the industry.
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
CG: I am a News Reporter for the online supply-chain-news publication ‘The Loadstar’. I source, research, write and edit daily news stories that relate to supply chain and logistics news across all modes of transport.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
CG: Because my role is dictated by the ever-changing news cycle, no two days are the same!
There’s usually a coffee-fueled news frenzy in the morning where the team is sourcing their daily stories — contacting people for comments and often writing up in an hour or two. Daily news can range anywhere from reporting on the impact of new regulations, to detailing a high-stakes court case.
The afternoon is (mostly) a lot more chilled out and gives us time to look for tomorrow’s story by chatting to industry stakeholders, conducting interviews and scouring the web for company updates. I’ve also just started hosting a new podcast for The Loadstar, so a lot of my time recently has been used learning how to operate recording equipment and editing software – it’s a lot of fun!
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
CG: I’ve been in the industry about seven months – so not very long at all! I finished university and knew that I wanted to write, and I wanted to travel. This seemed a bit unattainable as a first job — I know many people often dream of combining work and travel but don’t get there until many years into their career, if at all.
So, when I saw a job advertised that encompassed ‘global travel’ and the opportunity to ‘write daily breaking news’, it seemed like a dream come true. I didn’t know anything about supply chains or air cargo when I joined, as is the case with many people outside the industry, but there’s been so much to learn, and it’s been extremely eye-opening.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
CG: The best part of my job is the travel opportunities – I still can’t believe I get to go to the places I’ve dreamed of going, let alone get paid for it!
I’ve been working at The Loadstar for less than a year and I’ve already been sent to Brussels, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Doha. I think one of the best parts about working abroad is that you meet a plethora of people from all over the globe and from all different companies and sectors – it’s a great way to learn and have fun at the same time!
Even when I’m back in the UK and in the office, it’s such an exciting field to be in because supply chain dynamics change so rapidly that you are always being kept on your toes. You can never get bored!
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
CG: From the short time that I’ve been here, it’s clear that people are really keen to on-board new talent and new technology, but at the rate the ‘outside world’ is changing, I would say there needs to be faster adoption of modern methods across the supply chain – way easier said than done.
Adopting new ways of doing things is a huge challenge because the world is so reliant on its supply chains that the tried-and-tested methods can feel safer, but the sheer scale of global disruption we are seeing now is really forcing stakeholders to adapt and change. I think the next few years of scaling up and changing systems are going to be a real up-hill battle.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
CG: I studied English Language at university and had zero intention of joining logistics (I didn’t even really know what it was). So, while it’s good to have specific training if you know what you want to do, because the industry is so broad there is probably a job for you in logistics no matter what your skillset. The best way to learn, as I did, is to be thrown in at the deep end. Networking – on LinkedIn for example – is a great way to see what jobs are out there.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions! From personal experience, everyone is very keen to welcome and nurture new talent.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
CG: If this is based off existing titles – I think ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is quite fitting. In the literal sense that air cargo sees everything being transported everywhere all the time, but also because working in this industry, you can go everywhere and experience everything (and you quite often have to do lots of jobs ‘all at once’ too!).
Many thanks, Charlotte, for your impressions.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
