Logistics has traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated sector, where the number of women is limited and those who do work in the field find it difficult to progress to leadership roles. 

DHL recognises the need for gender diversity and is actively working towards providing opportunities for women to thrive in the field. DHL is committed to challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity and creating a level playing field for all so everyone can benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences, and foster an environment of innovation and creativity.

Explore real-life career stories of women in leadership roles at DHL.

These stories showcase the achievements and challenges faced by women in logistics and highlight the opportunities available for career advancement.

DHL Finance Graduate Esther Abulatan speaks to one of DHL's Operations Excellence General Managers, Michelle Reed, about her logistics career and the support she receives from DHL.

Moving from retail to a logistics career

Michelle started her career journey in retail, working in stores for ten years.

"I worked my way through to management there, and then six years ago, I wanted a change of platform, so I came into logistics," explains Michelle.

Receiving support from DHL colleagues

Alongside her full-time DHL role, Michelle also has full-time care responsibilities for her two children. 

"This is a different role and responsibility to a parent. I try and define it slightly differently. A parent might get a babysitter for their children to go out, whereas I need to find a respite carer to have my children. So there's a lot of differences there," explains Michelle.

"My management team, my colleagues, people around me are supportive of knowing that there may be times that I need to step aside or hop back home or take a phone call. That's really embraced me being able to work full time," adds Michelle.

Benefitting from great opportunities at DHL 

Michelle says the opportunities within DHL are "massive", whether that's self development, group development, or leveraging strengths of other people. 

"Everyone brings something to the table that I can learn from," comments Michelle.

Being confident to ask for help

When asked if she faced any challenges within her first DHL contract as a woman, Michelle says: "No. I think as I was quite open, honest with my experience coming in, I wasn't afraid to put my hand up, ask for help, ask questions and learn. Although it was male-dominated, the Senior Vice President was female. The top and bottom had a female presence, but in the middle it was very male. But I didn't see that as a barrier."

Forging inclusion across the logistics industry

Michelle explains what DHL has done to make the logistics industry more inclusive.

"We've got our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging pillars and framework, and there's a gender pillar that looks at how we can support women and females in the industry. I feel like I'm quite lucky that I haven't had the barrier or haven't seen or felt any of that, but I'm really glad that if there are people who feel less confident, there's a platform and community for them to go to, and their voice can be heard," says Michelle.

Sharing advice for women joining the logistics industry

Michelle shares her advice to women who are looking to join DHL or the logistics industry.

"Put yourself out there, be confident, and don't see your gender as a barrier at all. There's so many of our leaders that are female."

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