Diverse voices help drive innovation

At Leschaco, diversity is not just a metric – it’s a mindset. “Historically, freight and logistics have been considered male-dominated sectors. But times have changed, and with them, so have the dynamics of leadership and collaboration,” says Erika Venter, general manager at Leschaco. The company actively fosters an inclusive culture where diverse voices are not only welcomed but seen as essential to driving innovation and performance. It continues to challenge outdated norms by promoting equal opportunities and creating environments where all employees – regardless of gender, background or experience – can contribute meaningfully and grow. “As much as we celebrate women every August, it is also an opportunity to recognise the full spectrum of talent at Leschaco, which continues to transform our organisation and industry with resilience, innovation and integrity,” she says. “We don’t hire for gender – we hire for capability. We don’t promote based on quotas, but on commitment, innovation and impact.” But, says Venter, women do bring distinctive strengths to the table – often rooted in emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership and a finely tuned sense of empathy. “These traits become vital in an industry where people are just as important as processes and where communication is often the difference between success and failure.” She says women are uniquely positioned to bridge the technical with the relational, the strategic with the human. “Our ability to multitask, manage conflict diplomatically and build inclusive environments has undoubtedly enriched our company culture and operational success.” According to Venter, Women’s Month is more than just an annual calendar event. “It’s a reminder of the inclusive values that power progress. I am a woman in freight, but I am first and foremost a leader of people. Our achievements are not the result of any one demographic, but of a shared ethos: the belief that when we rise together, we rise stronger.” She adds that, with this in mind, it’s important to recognise that the progress seen at Leschaco is the result of collective willpower. “Our journey toward automation, system integration and performance excellence is driven by men and women working side by side – with humility and purpose. From IT developers and warehouse staff to finance officers and customs clerks, every member of our team contributes to a high-performance culture rooted in mutual respect and accountability.” This spirit of shared achievement was celebrated in July when Leschaco South Africa marked 40 years of operations in the country. Managing director Juan Enslin and Peter Schmidt- Löffler, CEO Sub-Saharan Africa, reflected on the journey, not only honouring the milestone itself but also the people and culture that made it possible. “This celebration reminded us of what it means to be part of the Leschaco family – a place where people feel proud to belong and others aspire to be a part of,” said Schmidt-Löffler. LV