Inside Kids2's Global Transportation & Logistics

A: I started my Logistics career right after college 15 years ago (I cannot believe it has been that long) and had no knowledge about the industry itself and what I was getting myself into. I was fortunate to work for two major global freight forwarders where I had the chance to learn the ins & outs of transportation, logistics, international trade, supply chain industry, and all the intricacies of the business.

I joined Kids2 in 2019 as the Sr. Manager of Global Transportation and Logistics and just celebrated my one-year anniversary in September.

Q: What does your Global Transportation and Logistics team do?

A: Our team is responsible to facilitate and manage the flow of goods through the supply chain, from our manufactures or suppliers’ locations to our customers’ doors globally. We are currently moving Kids2 products via different modes of transportation, such as sea, air, truck, and rail freights.

We are also responsible to cover all the Customs, Tariffs, and Duties for Kids2 and ensure we are in compliance with all countries where we are shipping and selling our products. Plus, we have another team that oversees Kids2 customer set up and compliance as well.

Q: What cross-functional teams do you most collaborate with?

A: Global logistics requires close and intricate collaboration between a host of business partners. We get the chance to collaborate daily with our Inventory, Account Services, Replenishment, Supply & Demand, Global Logistics, Sales, Category, IT, and Finance teams in various capacities.

Q: Tell me about a Tiny Win you have had while at Kids2.

A: Global logistics is such a complex industry and always evolving, and COVID-19 has greatly impacted the global trade. Most of our containers discharge in U.S. West Coast Port (Los Angeles/Long Beach), and over the past 10 months, it has been extremely difficult for all parties involved due to the pandemic. Vessels that usually take about two weeks to arrive from Asia would not discharge for almost a month. At one point, the average container pickup time from the terminal was 15 days. This is only one small example of how it becomes more and more challenging to keep on-time delivery rates high.

So, for my team and I, any time we can pull containers prior to the last free day at the port and deliver to our warehouse in a timely manner is a tiny win for us.

Q: What do you enjoy about working at Kids2?

A: There are a lot of things I like, but if I had to pick one, I would have to say the people at Kids2.

In my current role, I get a chance to work and interact with people around the globe on a regular basis, and they always bring different perspectives to our business.

I also like the fact that Kids2 has a global mindset. Many companies talk about “going global,” but becoming a strong global brand is not just about expanding to international markets. It is also about succeeding in those markets and avoiding cross-cultural mishaps.

Q: What was your favorite childhood toy?

A: I did not have just one favorite toy. Instead, there were several I would say were my favorites, and they varied from one year to the next. But, if I have to pick one, it would be PUZZLES. There is something fascinating about puzzles, and even as an adult, I still enjoy spending time doing my puzzles.

Also, when I was 10-years-old, my father introduced me to “Les Mots Fleches,” I believe in English it is “Arrow Words,” and I have been doing them since, especially when I get the opportunity to find it in French is even better.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?

A: Beside enjoying spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy traveling. My husband and I decided we will visit a new country every year, and we have been fortunate to visit some amazing places around the globe.

One of my favorite comedians said, “Traveling is the antidote to ignorance,” and it is so true. If there is one thing you will never waste your money on, it is traveling. Travel the world. See another place. Discover a different point of view. It changes your mind, your perspective, how you believe, and what you believe. 2020 has been the first year we have not been able to explore a new place, and we are really hoping 2021 will be different.

Also, two years ago, I discovered CrossFit, and I never looked back. I have been amazed on some of the things I have been able to accomplish in a short amount of time. I have competed with many fine CrossFit athletes, and overall, I am proud of my progress and accomplishments. 

And of course, I cannot forget hiking and white-water rafting. My husband introduced me to it years ago, and we have rafted some amazing rivers across the US. Our next goal is to tackle some around the globe, and we have our eyes on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and Futaleufu River in Chile.

Q: What is your Favorite Kids2 Way Fundamental and why?

A: Kids2 has many great Fundamentals, but my favorite will be #4 “Think Globally.” To me, globalization speaks to the rapidly shrinking world, thanks to technology and broader opportunities extended to people of all countries, as well as socio-economic and educational levels. As the world gets smaller, understanding the value of diversity and different cultures becomes paramount. A culture defines how its members think, believe, behave, and communicate. So, I believe it is imperative that we all learn at least a little bit about other cultures, because we are more likely to manage employees with a broad range of diversity than ever before in history. For managers today, knowing about and appreciating other cultures is not just a nice-to-have, it is a must-have, and I am glad this is part of Kids2 Fundamental.  

Q: If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing?

A: I am passionate about the global logistics industry as a whole and the intricacy of it, but if I was not in this industry, I will probably be a Corporate Lawyer.

Q: What is the best business advice you ever received?

A: Early in my professional career, one of my mentors gave me two advices:

• Do not be the smartest one in the room. Good leaders are the smartest one in the room. Great leaders surround themselves with smarter people that will challenge ideas, bring new perspectives to the table, and drive innovation.

• Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position. Conduct a personal assessment and ask yourself, “Would I follow me?”  Just because you’re a leader doesn’t necessarily mean people want to follow you. Anyone can take on a leadership role, but that doesn’t mean you automatically earn the trust, respect, and confidence of your followers.