Today we are recognising International Women’s Day, by speaking to some of our Lead Team Managers within our Operations Team about their passion for parcels, how they came to work in logistics and any challenges they have overcome as a female in the industry.
Joanne Cook, from our Lichfield site has 'been in parcels' since 1982, gaining a wealth of experience over the years. Sharing her journey, she said: “I started off in an admin role before progressing to Operations Manager; looking after a fleet of vehicles, parcels, and colleagues. I took time out of parcels when I had my daughter, before stepping back into the industry as a Depot Manager. During that time, I remembered my love for parcels. I’ve always enjoyed working with different people, from all walks of life and that’s what makes me tick. Every day you are learning something new, no two days are ever the same.”
“Every role has its challenges and it is generally perceived that logistics is a heavily male dominated industry, which can sometimes act as a barrier for women. For a long time, being female was not associated with a managerial role” says Cherrelle Redding from Basildon depot. “Sometimes being the only female voice in a room can be challenging, but I’ve learned that it’s not the loudest voice in the room that’s heard, it’s the one with the strongest ideas. You just need to keep pushing forward, learning, and developing and at some point, you no longer notice that you’re the only female in the room. Personally, my male colleagues have been a large support in my journey at Yodel and their openness allows for women to grow in the workplace, in a way that feels equal.”
“Moving into a senior role after years amongst fellow colleagues can have its difficulties, especially when challenging the status quo. But having the right support in place, can give you the confidence to go further than you think you can. I had to build my confidence during this time, I was still very young and a quiet person, so challenging people or questioning processes was new territory for me” according to Shanice Leeks, from the Ipswich Service Centre. “At that time, I had a female Service Centre Manager called Emma, who really helped me to develop my skills and was someone I could look up to, as she had been through the same challenges I was facing. Because she was living proof that you could make it into higher positions, it gave me the inspiration that one day, I can achieve what she has.”
Hayley Hammond, based at our Maidstone depot, has built a strong working relationship with her line manager, Anita, and says the team she works with inspire her every single day. “It’s great to have Anita’s support, knowledge, and guidance. When I completed my Level 3 Business Management qualification, Anita was my mentor and was supportive throughout, giving me the opportunity to learn and develop further. She also lets me roll with my ideas, even if they are sometimes a bit out there! But the main goal is always for us to encourage everyone to think outside the box, to get the best possible result.”
“Sometimes from a young age, you know exactly what you want to do and make it your mission to achieve it. Along the way, there will be opportunities to learn and tick off that next step in your career path” says Kylie Baxter from our Preston Service Centre, who grew up watching her dad deliver as a Yodel driver. “I used to help him out when I was younger, sorting parcels and helping to deliver. I really enjoyed it, so when I turned 17 and got my driving licence, I brought my own van and became a driver at Yodel. I absolutely loved it and carried on for over 17 years.
“In May 2023, an amazing opportunity came up to apply for a manager role within the Preston site. I was keen to progress within the business, so applied and was thrilled when I was told that I had the job!
“Next on the list for me, is to continue learning and growing. I want to go as far as possible in the logistics sector and to progress as much as I can by working hard, proving myself and thinking outside the box.”
There are many opportunities in the logistics space to grow and develop skillsets. At Yodel, we continue giving our support to all who are looking to build their career now as well as in the future.
As Hayley stated: “Next on my list is the Service Centre Manager role, we have an amazing team here at Yodel that we work with across the board. I am looking forward to a long and exciting career at Yodel, so as I can continue to enjoy what I have helped to build and cherish.”