Can you describe your role and key responsibilities?

As the General Manager of Shaoke Netherlands, I helped establish our Dutch location at the end of 2022, working closely with Gani Berisha and Stone Chen. I also serve as the Commercial Director, where I’m responsible for shaping our product and commercial strategies.

On a daily basis, I manage teams here in the Netherlands, in China, and around the world. A big part of my role is building a bridge between China and the Netherlands, helping our diverse teams work together as one cohesive team.

Having 10 years experience in logistics, especially in China-Europe cross-border operations, what significant changes have you observed over the years?

I think the biggest change I’ve seen is that communication barriers between Europe and China have significantly decreased. More European companies are doing business directly in China, and many Chinese companies are reaching out to European suppliers without needing intermediaries. Technology has played a huge role in this shift – everything is more online now, and it’s easy for people to connect directly through platforms like Google or Baidu. Additionally, businesses outside of China are increasingly recognizing the rapid growth in China and are eager to collaborate directly with Chinese companies. This increased direct communication and collaboration is happening on both sides, making the business environment more open and connected.

What developments in the logistics industry are you most excited about looking forward?

I’m very excited about the development of AI, especially in how it can transform logistics. People might think logistics is all about technology, but from my perspective logistics is deeply human – you still need people to plan, be creative, and work together to get things done. And now, with AI, we have a tool that can enhance our work without replacing the human touch. AI can help us with forecasting, planning, and customer service, allowing us to work more efficiently while still keeping people at the core of what we do. What excites me most is how AI can make our jobs easier, helping us achieve more with less effort, while improving both productivity and well-being.

How would you describe the team culture at the SHAOKE team?

The culture within our SHAOKE team is all about diversity, flat management, and a blend of local expertise with an international perspective. We have a strong sense of mutual respect for each other’s knowledge and always support one another, whether it’s through work or fun activities like the Dragon Boats event. We see ourselves as one team, regardless of location, and encourage open communication – people are comfortable pointing out areas for improvement, and the focus is always on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

Our team spirit is evident in the way we cover for each other when needed, and we make an effort to show we care, whether it’s by sending fruit baskets to someone who’s sick or celebrating special occasions together. This positive, goal-oriented environment is something we all take pride in.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the logistics field?

I ended up in logistics by accident, starting out in customer service and then moving through different roles. I’ve always believed that curiosity, keeping an open mind, and being eager to learn are what really drive success.

Setting up a logistics company in the Netherlands as a Chinese woman in a male-dominated field definitely had its challenges. However, I’m a big advocate for having more women in logistics because I’ve seen firsthand how diversity – like the strong gender balance we have in our company – brings resilience, strength, and creativity.

Are you interested to join the SHAOKE team? Check out our career page for open positions.