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 with one of DHL's HR Directors, Coren Small, about gender diversity and inclusion within the logistics industry, and the work DHL has done in bridging the gap.

Facing challenges as a woman

Coren joined DHL through its Graduate Scheme, and then moved into business partnering off the scheme in 2018. Since then, Coren has moved into her new role - HR Director for Passenger Transport. 

When asked if, as a woman, she has faced any challenges at DHL, Coren says: "...at a senior level, where we're still working through our talent and growing our talent, we do have a large population of males. More often than not, I will be the only female in the room, and you maybe have to fight a little bit harder for your seat at the table. It would be incorrect to say there aren't any challenges around being a woman in the logistics industry."

Tackling imposter syndrome

Coren details a direct conversation about imposter syndrome that she had with her new line manager in her second business partnering role.

"Am I being given this opportunity because I'm the best person for the job? Am I being given this opportunity because I'm a woman who's also a person of color, and therefore I'm ticking a couple of boxes? He was quite mortified by the fact that I felt the need to ask the question. The imposter syndrome comes if I have people in my team who have been doing this job for longer that I've even been alive and I think - can I be the person to lead these people? How can I enrich these people's working experience or their careers? And then the other side of it, am I just being gifted these opportunities because I'm a positive diversity box?" asks Coren.

"Since the day of that conversation, I feel he has worked really hard to show me that I've earned this. I deserve this. There's a lot of positive reinforcement that came off the back of that conversation. So I can leave this role and we can turn that perception around and make it so that women and people from different diversities know that there's a place for them within Manufacturing Logistics. That's a job well done," adds Coren.

Getting involved in the business 

Coren shares her advice for women considering joining the logistics industry. 

"The more you do, the more variety you realize is in our business and you get involved with that, the more rounded you'll become as an individual, the stronger you'll become as a leader and the more respected you'll feel as a woman in a professional environment. So that would be a 'yes' person but with happy boundaries."

DHL continually forges an inclusive workplace

DHL's culture, values, and the way colleagues draw on each other's talents sets it apart from other employers.

DHL's people are recognized and rewarded for the unique contribution they bring.

Inspired to join them?

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