In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that having more female leaders, board members, managers and supervisors leads to better business outcomes.
The transport and logistics profession is typically described as a non-traditional employment pathway for women. This prevailing view, is supported by a perception that because the majority of employees in this industry are men, most work in this industry is stereo-typically male. MacAndrews continues to strive to pave the road ahead for women in transport and logistics. Transforming the image of the sector, gender stereotypes and unfair workplace practices is a mammoth of a task.
However, with strong leadership commitment and action, it is possible gradually to remove barriers that prevent the broader participation of women.
Looking forward, the inclusion of women in transport and logistics is not only a business imperative, but also increasingly part of a global opus to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day with a feature article on the women of MacAndrews. Discover our second interview with Geraldine Myers, Agency General Manager Liverpool.
- Tell me how you first got involved in with the world of shipping ?
I got into shipping completely by accident. I had been at Art College and decided that it was not for me, so applied to the then YTS scheme (much like an apprentice now). My first job was as a junior accounts clerk in Harrison Line, which I then followed by moving to Container Control and have never looked back since.
- What’s your first memory of your role at MacAndrews ?
Sitting with the ANL export team for a couple of days picking up what they did and how – haven’t had a minute to sit back since then for 9 years !
- How do you feel about the logistics and transport industry as a whole when it comes to equality ?
I do feel that it is still a male dominated industry.
- What has surprised you most about working with MacAndrews ?
The amount of new things I have learned despite many years in the industry. Even now not a week goes by where I don’t learn something new.
- What do you find most challenging about your role at MacAndrews ?
Changing work processes.
- What’s the best/worst thing to happen since you started working with MacAndrews?
Best thing : Too many to list. Worst thing happening was the death of one of our colleagues.
- What might (someone) be surprised to know about you.
I probably know the latin classification names for 90% of the mammals inhabiting the planet plus most of the constellations in the night sky.
- What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining MacAndrews ?
Friendly place to work with a keen and young staff in the agency.
- How do you think the MacAndrews Vision 2020 of over the next five years will affect your role?
Hopefully more challenging!
- If you weren’t in shipping, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like ?
I did go to art college after I left school, but when younger wanted to be a French teacher.
- What do you do when you aren’t at work/What are you hobbies/sport ?
I like to be in the garden, enjoy reading and films. My favourite sport is Formula One.
- If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be ?
Aston Martin DB9
Find our next and last interview on friday.
You can also visit the official website of the International Women’s Day https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
