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In this month’s employee spotlight, we have Byong, our Head of Product in Singapore. Byong has been with us for over a year and shares with us that his typical day can be quite unpredictable. He believes in the importance of adopting a flexible mindset and the willingness to adapt to new solutions when new information becomes available.
Byong shared that being exposed to the complex and multifaceted industry that is logistics was really eye-opening to him as he had little to no exposure prior to Janio. In his opinion, the biggest challenges the industry is facing are supply chain complexity, talent shortage, cybersecurity threats, and environmental concerns.
When asked what is the required competency to be in the Strategy team, Byong suggests that Technology plays a significant role in the logistics industry and 4PL firms are no exception. Being up-to-date with the latest technology trends and innovations, such as transportation management systems, warehouse management systems, and e-commerce platforms, is important for developing strategies that leverage technology to improve logistics efficiency.
Getting to know Byong:
Q: How long have you been with Janio and what does a typical day in your role look like?
A: I’ve been with Janio for more than a year now. My typical day is rather unpredictable and can vary greatly, mostly collaborating on cross-functional initiatives to problem-solving to optimizing our logistics operations.
Q: How would you describe the peers that you work closely with?
A: I work with a diverse group of individuals who bring their own unique perspectives and skill sets to the team.
Q: What’s your go-to method to approach a problem?
A: Always remember that there is likely more than one way to solve a problem and almost never a perfect solution. It’s important to adopt a flexible mindset and be willing to adopt solutions as new information becomes available. Prioritize solutions that are effective and sustainable in the long run, even if they may not be ideal. The optimal solution is one that strikes the ideal balance between people, product, and technology to create answers that tackle the problem’s underlying causes while coordinating with the requirements and objectives of all stakeholders.
Q: What are some things you have enjoyed learning?
A: I did not have a lot of experience with the logistics industry before I joined Janio, but being exposed to its sophisticated and broad nature has been incredibly eye-opening.
Supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. It involves many different players, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, transportation providers, and logistics service providers. Each of these players has their own role to play within the logistics process, and they must all work together to ensure that goods are delivered on time and in good condition.
It has become increasingly common for goods and materials to be transported across borders. As a result, logistics providers need to navigate a number of regulations, customs requirements, and cultural differences.
Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing our industry?
A: Supply chain complexity: Supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, with more players involved and more regulations to comply with. 4PL companies must have the expertise and resources to manage these complex supply chains and ensure that goods are delivered on time and in compliance with regulations.
Talent shortage: The 4PL industry has a demand for highly specialized knowledge and abilities, but there is also a shortage of talent in several areas of the business. Supply chain management, logistics, and data analysis are a few of these. 4PL companies must be proactive in attracting and retaining top talent.
Cybersecurity threats: As 4PL companies become more reliant on technology, they are also more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. They must take steps to protect their data and systems from cyberattacks, including investing in cybersecurity technologies and training their employees to be vigilant.
Environmental concerns: The 4PL industry has a significant impact on the environment, and there is growing pressure to reduce this impact. 4PL companies must be proactive in adopting sustainable practices and technologies, such as using electric vehicles and optimizing shipping routes to reduce carbon emissions.
Q: What are the required skill sets to be in the Strategy team?
A: Technology plays a significant role in the logistics industry, and 4PL firms are no exception. Being up-to-date with the latest technology trends and innovations, such as transportation management systems, warehouse management systems, and e-commerce platforms, are important for developing strategies that leverages technology to improve logistics efficiency.
Risk management: There are numerous factors that influence the logistics industry’s supply chain structure, including weather, geopolitical events, and transportation disruptions. Identifying and managing such risks, as well as developing contingency plans, is essential for a strategy role.
Project management: It is necessary to have strong project management skills when managing multiple logistics service providers and coordinating activities across the supply chain. In a strategy role, it is essential to set goals, develop project plans, allocate resources, and monitor progress.
Communication and negotiation: Transparent and effective communication is important in any strategy role, but for a 4PL firm, it’s particularly important to be able to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including clients, logistics service providers, and internal teams. Being able to negotiate effectively with vendors and clients is also an important skill for a strategy role.
Q: What career advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Manage your time better: Learn to manage your time effectively and prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Avoid overcommitting yourself and learn to say “no” when necessary to avoid burnout.
Always ensure that you are focusing on impact: Instead of focusing on the effort you put into your work, focus on the results you achieve. Look for ways to improve your processes and methods to achieve better results more efficiently.
Remember to celebrate successes: Celebrate your successes and the successes of others in your organization. Recognize and acknowledge the impact that you and your colleagues are making, and use these successes to inspire and motivate yourself and others.
Q: What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
A: Hunt for good food, read my manhwa, binge shows on Netflix, play games, and try to get as much rest as I can!
Interested in joining us? Check out our open positions here or share your CV at HR@janio.asia.
Stay tuned for more highlights and keep up with our people on our Janio Asia social media pages on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
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