The world of international commerce is a bustling one, with businesses constantly striving to stay connected with their customers across borders. In order to do this, they need to be able to deliver products quickly and reliably. This can be a challenge, as there are many factors that can affect the speed and reliability of international shipping, such as customs clearance, transit times and weather conditions. To deliver consistently great customer service, businesses need to have an expansive knowledge of their product, believe in the product, be able to discuss features and use cases in an insightful way and show the customers how the product can benefit them. They also need to respond quickly to customer queries. Also, businesses need to adapt their products to cultural differences, linguistic particularities, local expectations, purchasing power and habits and legal requirements to make their product accessible to people across markets. Transportation, logistics, supply chain and storage are all critical components of international commerce. Businesses need to be able to deliver products quickly and reliably to stay connected with their customers across borders. In this fast-paced environment where change is constant, Chitra Shinde stands at the forefront of driving transportation, logistics, supply chain and storage solutions for a global company DHL Express as the Vice President of Operations. As a trailblazer in the industry, Chitra spearheads efforts to continuously improve businesses’ operations, delivering efficient and seamless solutions that help them thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. At DHL Express, the commitment to customer success is unwavering. They believe in providing businesses with innovative ways to enhance its operations, whether it’s streamlining shipping processes, optimizing supply chain efficiency, or exploring new markets for expansion. With decades of experience in shipping, logistics and eCommerce, DHL Express has built a vast international network covering more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Chitra’s expertise and visionary approach play a crucial role in maintaining DHL Express’s position as a global leader in transportation and logistics. She understands the dynamic nature of the industry and is constantly exploring cutting-edge technologies and solutions to keep businesses connected and competitive. As an industry thought leader, Chitra is committed to DHL Express’s privacy obligations of the highest standards, fostering trust and confidence in the customers. With a customer-centric mindset, she and her team work tirelessly to provide seamless and reliable solutions for businesses. In a world where time and efficiency are paramount, Chitra Shinde and DHL Express are the driving force behind businesses’ success, connecting them with customers quickly, efficiently and with utmost reliability. With her dynamic leadership and passion for excellence, Chitra continues to shape the future of transportation, logistics, supply chain and storage services, enabling businesses to thrive in the global marketplace. Let’s delve into how Chitra embarked on an Unstoppable Journey and discover the Future of Logistics at DHL Express! Charting Uncharted Waters Chitra’s exciting journey began right after she completed her education. Eager to explore new horizons, she made the bold move to Bombay, the bustling metropolis. Her first step into the professional world led her to DHL Express, where she started as a Trainee in the logistics industry. At that time, the logistics sector was undergoing a remarkable transformation with the advent of automation, scalable software and cutting-edge processes. Chitra was fortunate enough to be at the forefront of this rapid growth, witnessing firsthand the innovations that were shaping the industry. Over the next fifteen years, Chitra’s career took her across five different countries, offering her a truly global experience. She ventured into the terrains of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Immersed in diverse cultures and work environments, Chitra gained invaluable experience, which would later prove instrumental in her career. After her enriching stint overseas, Chitra felt the call to return to her homeland, India, to be closer to her parents. She joined Gati Limited and took on key roles, where she proved her mettle as Chief Business Chain Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and  President and Board member for Gati – KWE. However, Chitra’s heart was drawn back to the international stage, and she was thrilled to rejoin the esteemed DHL Express, renowned globally as the No. 1 Great Place to Work. Embracing a new opportunity, she stepped into the position of Customer Operations Group Manager and  later Senior Director Gateways in Australia where she continued to excel. With her unwavering dedication and perseverance, Chitra rose to her current role as Vice President of Operations in New Zealand. Throughout her journey, DHL’s exceptional training and development program coupled with a culture of feedback, played a crucial role in honing her skills and confidence, enabling her to flourish in her current position. Chitra’s career choices were not always directed solely towards vertical growth. She made mindful decisions to explore various roles and locations, which exposed her to a myriad of opportunities and cultures. This approach instilled in her a sense of humility and a balanced perspective on her career, personal responsibilities, parenting and living a fulfilling life. Through her experiences, Chitra learned the value of collaboration and surrounded herself with brilliant minds, enriching her professional acumen. With a holistic approach to life, she embraced the challenges and rewards that came her way, growing both as a professional and as an individual. Igniting the Spark When Chitra joined DHL Express as a trainee, her knowledge of the supply chain was limited to sales and distribution management, particularly in the traditional FMCG industry’s (she mentions it traditional non-technical way) methods of reaching remote corners of rural India. However, her role at DHL provided her with a unique opportunity to delve deep into the world of express distribution. Chitra gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain, from demand planning to last-mile delivery and reverse logistics. Explaining the same, she says, “From demand planning through to last mile and reverse logistics.” The world of operations fascinated her with its dynamic nature, involving design, motion, location, cost optimization, and strategic planning. Over time, supply chain has evolved significantly, progressing