Reflections on 25 Years in Leadership: Lessons to My Younger Self

As we celebrate 25 years of DHL Consulting, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. This journey has been marked by growth, challenges, and numerous changes, both personally and professionally.  

Today, I want to share some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons that I would impart to my younger self and to all aspiring leaders. These lessons are centered around being bold and confident, embracing mistakes and celebrating successes, and driving change with passion. 

Lesson 1: Tell People What You Want, Train Confidence, Be Bold 

Early Career Insights 

When I started my career, I quickly realized that clarity in communication was crucial. When you want something, to learn something, or aspire to a role, the best thing you can do is tell the people that can help make it happen. 

Building Confidence 

Over time, I learned that confidence is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed. For me, this has meant taking a deep breath, feeling the fear and embracing challenges. Particularly when I think about how I used to dread speaking in public vs. today, where after many years of stepping out on stage in front of large crowds and enjoying the experience. 

Practical Advice 

To my younger self, I would say: don't be afraid to tell people what you want. Be clear about your goals and ambitions. Take risks, even if they seem daunting. Confidence grows with each bold step you take, and each step will bring you closer to your goals. 

Lesson 2: Embrace Mistakes, Train Resilience, Celebrate Success, Embrace Joy 

First Leadership Roles 

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader was one of the most challenging phases of my career. In my first leadership role, I made several mistakes. It was a humbling experience but a crucial learning opportunity. 

Learning from Mistakes 

Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also invaluable teachers. They taught me resilience and the importance of bouncing back stronger. Each failure became a stepping stone to greater success. 

Celebrating Success and Joy 

Celebrating success is as important as learning from failure. I learned to cherish the victories, no matter how small, and to create a culture that celebrates achievements. These moments of joy and recognition boosted team morale and motivated us to strive for even greater accomplishments. 

Practical Advice 

Embrace mistakes—they are opportunities in disguise. Train yourself to be resilient, to recover and learn from setbacks. Celebrate your successes and those of your team. Finding joy in these moments will sustain your passion and drive. 

Lesson 3: Be Passionate, Drive Change, Embrace New Technologies,  

Passion as a Driving Force 

Passion has been the driving force behind my career. It fueled my determination and innovation. When you are passionate about your work, it no longer feels like work. This passion led me to push boundaries and explore new horizons. 

Driving Change 

For leaders, driving change is not just an option but a necessity. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. One of my favorite quotes by Socrates encapsulates this perfectly: "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." Embracing this mindset allowed me to navigate and lead through periods of significant transformation, ensuring that we remained competitive and forward-thinking.  

Embracing Technology 

When I started, the logistics industry was markedly different, with manual processes and paper trails dominating our workflows. Today, technology has revolutionized our sector. For instance, the adoption of real-time tracking systems and automation in warehouses has drastically improved efficiency and accuracy. The integration of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics has allowed us to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve delivery times, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits 

These advancements didn't just streamline operations—they transformed the way we do business, demonstrating that staying ahead of technological trends isn't just advantageous; it's essential for sustained growth and success. 

My Advice 

Stay passionate and let it drive your actions. Be a catalyst for change, even when it’s difficult. Embrace new technologies and be a pioneer in digitalization and automation. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to sustaining growth, innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. 

Conclusion 

Looking back on these 25 years, the journey has been filled with invaluable lessons, and I am awestruck by the progress we have made at DHL Consulting. My story isn't just my own—it's also about the incredible leaders who believed in me, modeled exemplary leadership, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. It's about the teams that believed in our shared vision and consistently went the extra mile.

Our collective story is a testament to the power of purpose, perseverance, and people. To all aspiring leaders and my younger self, remember that growth is a continuous process. Every experience, whether good or bad, is a step towards becoming a better leader. 

Share your career lessons in the comments below! 

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