CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series highlights the manifold career possibilities within the air cargo industry and invites a different individual each week to talk about their role, industry experience, insights and advice to potential newcomers. Digitalization brings benefits not just to single companies, but to entire cargo communities, improving and facilitating the exchange of data, and making the smooth and safe transfer of air cargo shipments possible. This week, Joke Aerts, Marketing Director at Nallian, takes us through her day, duties, and deductions.
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?
JA: I’m the Marketing Director at Nallian, where we specialize in digitizing landside processes and building connected cargo communities. My primary goal is to ensure that when people think of landside digitalization or cargo community systems, they think of Nallian. I am also dedicated to building and executing our company strategy with my colleagues in the management team, ensuring we deliver our customers outstanding products and service, and offering our team a great place to work.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?
JA: Days can look very different, but there is one constant: they start with a cup of coffee! Mostly, it will be a dynamic mix of strategic meetings, crafting messages that resonate with our global customers, talking to (potential) customers, deep dives into performance metrics, hosting webinars, and syncing with colleagues across departments. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
JA: It’s been an exciting 6-year journey in air cargo so far. All thanks to a former colleague who introduced me to Jean Verheyen, our CEO. It took just one lunch at the BRUcargo restaurant to get me interested in the dynamics and potential of the industry and our company. And – more importantly – to give me the feeling that I would work on something I believe in (the power of digitalization), in a role that is dynamic and evolving and with people that I can trust and with whom I have core values in common.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
JA: I very much enjoy that I can work ‘out of the box’. Being a good marketer requires knowing your products, customers, and market well. So, I appreciate being involved in various facets of our business, from strategy to sales, product and customer success. I also very much like our strong team collaboration and the dynamics of my work environment. Both our company and the adoption of digitalization in the industry are growing, which generates constantly evolving challenges and opportunities – which keep me motivated every day.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
JA: One significant challenge is the slow adoption of digitalization. Despite rapid technological integration in our personal lives, the industry lags behind. Many seem to ‘wait for others to go first’ or are too busy solving the operational ‘shit of yesterday.’ Yet the benefits of digitalization will soon be a must-have, to remain competitive and attract young talent. Which brings me to another challenge: increasing diversity (in all its forms) and empowering young talent. As much as we should treasure the experience and insights of ‘the grey hair’, we also need the fresh ideas and enthusiasm of the younger generation to push boundaries and drive progress. I applaud the initiatives some associations, companies, and individuals are taking to bring variety in the uniform sea of blue and black suits we typically see at our industry events and in board rooms. Our differences make us more powerful together!
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
JA: As a ‘Shakespeare girl’ (my first degree was in Germanic languages), who turned out to be a B2B/tech marketer in logistics, I dare say that training doesn’t necessarily define your path. It may depend on the role you aspire to, but I firmly believe attitude and motivation trump polished CVs. So, I would say ‘spread the word’: talk to people in your network, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people and companies you do not yet know. People are often more open and helpful than you think.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
JA: Love is in the air! Not to be cheesy, but because I continue to be impressed by the sheer passion for air cargo of so many people across our industry.
Many thanks, Joke, for your insights.
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.
