BY PATRICK BURNSON
“Leadership,” and what it means to incorporate management skill in everyday life, was the issue addressed by the group Women in Logistics at a forum in San Francisco late last October. Hosted by the Port of San Francisco, the event featured four highly successful logistics professionals from diverse sectors of the industry.
All seemed to echo sentiments and findings contained in Logistics Management’s 35th annual salary survey, which noted that while job satisfaction remains the primary reason for today’s logistics managers to stay with one company, salaries are barely keeping pace with inflation.
Geli Burgin, CFO for CM Squared and WIL’s vice president, observed that striking a comfortable work-life balance is especially challenging for women within the Bay Area. “There comes a point that demands for world travel become too severe,” she said. “And that’s when you must become creative.”
With over 20 years’ experience specializing in operations, supply chain, management and finance, Burgin is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and holds a master’s degree in finance from Stanford University. She is now an avid sailor and member of the sales team for Atomic Tuna Yachts, a luxury yacht brokerage.
For Heather Sherlock, head of global logistics and distribution for Uber, the journey is just beginning with a rigorous itinerary keeping her on the road all the time. “My team is truly global, managing company shipments in and out of nearly 70 countries,” she said. “But you have to take the time to mentor your subordinates while on the fly. It’s crucial to share the time when you can.”
Sherlock’s own career highlights include freight forwarding, logistics and global trade compliance for Eagle Global Logistics, CEVA Logistics and Crane Worldwide.
Louise Bohmann, head of trade compliance for Google, observed that today’s logistics managers are “always on stage.” She continued, “But I agree that giving back to the community is important. Mentoring is part of that story.”
Bohmann is an international trade and customs professional with expertise in global trade regulation and compliance, indirect tax structuring, market access and supply chain management.
Captain Marie Byrd, commander of the San Francisco Sector of the United States Coast Guard, told the audience that she might not have accomplished all that she’s done without good mentors—including men. “Even in the military, having good teachers and instructors is crucial,” she said. “Many people helped me reach my current leadership role, and no one should try to do this alone.”
Captain Byrd assumed command of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco in March 2019. She serves as the sector commander and captain of the port for San Francisco and Northern California. She leads over 850 active and reserve Coast Guard members, operating cutters, search and rescue stations, and navigation teams, a vessel traffic service and a marine safety detachment. Her leadership spans from the Oregon border to the San Luis Obispo County line and includes much of Nevada, Utah and parts of Wyoming. This includes over 2,500 miles of shoreline within the San Francisco Bay and its tributaries.
Among those in the audience who listened with interest was Mary “Meg” Glynn, owner of MG Container Services in San Rafael. “Because becoming a leader requires so much networking and support, I champion organizations like WIL,” she said. “It really represents a community of service and dedication to our industry.”
For more information, see www.womeninlogistics.org.
Port of Oakland Exports See October Surge
Port of Oakland exports increased 10.8 percent in October compared to October 2018 volumes, according to data released last month. The port labeled the double-digit jump “positive” amid reports that the U.S.-China trade war is easing.
“Our export customers have demonstrated their resilience throughout this tariff standoff,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “For their sake, we hope the conflict is resolved and overseas business can grow even more.”
The port said it shipped the equivalent of 87,393 20-foot export containers overseas in October. Most of that cargo went to Asian markets including China, which is Oakland’s leading trade partner. Through the first 10 months of 2018, Oakland exports were up 3.5 percent over last year, despite increased tariffs.
The port attributed export growth to a pair of factors: First, there was continued strong Asian demand for high-quality U.S. goods, especially farm products; and second, there were increased shipments to neighboring countries to counter Chinese volumes depressed by tariffs.
The U.S. and China had both indicated progress in talks to relieve trade tensions. According to reports, an accord could be near that rolls back some tariffs imposed over the past year. The port has been on record opposing the levies.
The port said that easing of the trade conflict would be welcomed by both export and import customers. Oakland import volume declined 4.6 in October, though it remains up 2.7 percent for the full year. Total volume, which measures imports, exports and empty container repositioning, is unchanged year-to-date from 2018.
