To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on three impressive women at IAG Cargo, who play integral roles in driving our business forward. Find out what it takes to lead impactful change from our Chief Transformation Officer, what it’s like working as a team leader at our New Premia facility, and how the industry is continuing to make strides in supporting women from our Commercial Manager in India.
Jenny Critchley, Chief Transformation Officer, IAG Cargo
Tell us about your role
I’m responsible for overseeing and executing transformative initiatives across the business at IAG Cargo to enhance the end-to-end experience for our customers. I lead a skilled team of 25 individuals to drive digitalisation, enhance customer centricity and advance our sustainability efforts.
As part of our transformation plan, we have a variety of new and ongoing projects. From continuously working alongside our customers, suppliers and partners, to reduce carbon waste emissions, to removing paper Air Waybills and transitioning to electronic Air Waybills, we are well on our way to our digitisation journey.
What has your career progression looked like?
I studied mathematics at university in Ireland and completed my master’s degree at LSE, before joining the analytical department at British Airways. Throughout my time at BA, I also held strategy and customer roles, before becoming the Head of Transformation there. One thing I loved about my role was being able to observe and drive change across the entire business portfolio, which was also a great opportunity for broadening my industry knowledge and skillset.
About nine months ago, I started my new role as Chief Transformation Officer, moving from the passenger side to cargo. It’s been fascinating to learn about the world of logistics and how it plays a key role in our everyday lives, from moving pharmaceuticals around the world to the seasonal produce we transport between regions.
I am thrilled to remain within the transformation sphere and work alongside a wide range of talented individuals who are equally passionate about change and making IAG Cargo fit for future.
What qualities do you bring as a leader?
At IAG Cargo, we have a diverse and dedicated workforce, each contributing different backgrounds, skills, and working styles. As a leader, it’s important to recognise and embrace individual differences in order to foster healthy discussions and debates.
I strive to embody three fundamental principles as a leader which I believe are key, alongside performing my best day-to-day: resilience, inclusivity, and empathy. When driving business-wide transformation, it’s important to encourage resilient attitudes within the team and the wider project team as we pivot between different challenges and milestones. To achieve this, I collaborate with team members to establish both business oriented and personal KPIs, tailored to their growth and development. These objectives should be personalised to each individual, whether it involves exposing them to networking opportunities or enhancing a skill through specialised training courses.
Inclusivity and empathy are equally as important as resilience. I engage my team in brainstorming sessions, involve them in decision-making processes, and provide equal opportunities to present to key stakeholders. Empathy is crucial to understanding how people behave and react, so you work with, or around their style. Change is hugely exciting, but it can also be tiring, so it’s very important to celebrate successes before embarking on the next milestone. This approach ensures that I’m leading everyone on a journey where each individual feels their role is meaningful, which is crucial for driving the company forward.
Jodie Lawrence, New Premia Team Leader, IAG Cargo
Tell us about your role.
I’ve been a Team Leader for 18 months and manage seven teams at New Premia, IAG Cargo’s climate-controlled facility for handling premium freight at London Heathrow. I enjoy the problem-solving element of my role and the opportunity to constantly learn new things, such as how to interact with iCargo, New Premia’s warehouse management system.
What has your career progression looked like at IAG Cargo?
I started my career at IAG Cargo in 2018 as a Cargo Agent at our Level 20 department, which focusses on building and breaking standard freight. Then in 2021, I transferred to our Premia warehouse. I gained a lot of experience within this role and worked my way up, becoming a team leader at New Premia. Many avenues exist for career progression within operations at IAG Cargo, and I’m thankful for my colleagues who have always supported my career development.
What advice would you give women looking to join logistics?
To approach it with confidence and enthusiasm. What motivates me every day is knowing that I’m contributing to the seamless flow of cargo through our operations, working collaboratively as a team behind the scenes, and providing a top-notch service to our customers. It’s encouraging to see the increased representation of women in logistics compared to when I first began my career, and I look forward to more talented women joining and thriving within this industry.
Sunita Sood, Commercial Manager NE India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, IAG Cargo
Tell us about your role.
I’m based in New Delhi, India as the Commercial Manager for NE India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. I have the privilege of working with an amazing team, who collaborate and communicate openly, so that we exceed our customers’ needs.
What has your career progression looked like at IAG Cargo?
I joined in 1995, initially working at the check-in counters on the passenger side and subsequently moving into back-office support. I then transferred into cargo sales as an Account Manager and progressed into the Commercial Manager role I do today. There’s a lot of room for personal and professional growth at IAG Cargo, with opportunities for everyone to learn, such as with online language courses, LinkedIn Learning, and first aid training around mental health.
How has IAG Cargo progressed in supporting women?
When I interviewed in 1999 for the cargo sales role, there were few women employed in the industry. My manager and I were two such women, and you could count the rest on your fingertips. We created strong bonds with these other women, often meeting at industry events, offering each other support, and sharing our successes.
At the time, women were known primarily for working on the passenger side and not for managing cargo. When customers called to make a booking or ask questions, they always preferred to speak to our male colleagues. My solution was staying ahead of the learning curve and continuously improving my industry knowledge. This included immersing myself in all aspects of the business, such as visiting the warehouse and learning from our operations teams to gain a more holistic understanding of the industry. It prepared me to address any questions and gain the trust of our largely male customers, who became increasingly confident in my capabilities. Since then, the number of women in our department has grown and created a more diverse working environment.
I’m filled with heartfelt pride knowing that we made and continue to make a positive influence on women in the industry. I will continue to advocate for women at IAG Cargo and within the wider logistics industry, showing there is no industry that women cannot be a part of.
