Building A Workplace Where People Thrive Every Day

For Kelly Wood, regional manager at Rhenus in the Eastern Cape, leadership is about more than operational efficiency its about creating a workplace where people genuinely want to be. In an industry known for its pace and pressure, she believes the true differentiator is culture. Ive always believed that work shouldnt be something you dread on a Sunday evening while watching Carte Blanche, she says. It should bring a sense of calm or even excitement to reconnect with your team, chat with clients and start the week with purpose. Its a mindset Wood has worked hard to embed in her team culture. In todays high-pressure world, creating a workplace people genuinely enjoy is something special. Lets bring back the fun, the drive and the energy because when people love where they work, incredible things happen. At Rhenus, we live by values like trust, respect and a spirit of entrepreneurship. Its these principles that help us build environments where people thrive. Her journey at Rhenus marks one of the most meaningful milestones of her career. She started five years ago as branch manager in Port Elizabeth and is now regional manager responsible for Port Elizabeth, East London and the Garden Route. Wood took the opportunity to grow her team, which now encompasses over 20 people, 90 of whom are women. But for Wood, the numbers are only part of the story. Watching that growth not just in headcount, but in energy, motivation and team culture has been incredibly fulfilling, she says. Weve built strong teams in the Eastern Cape branches securing new business while nurturing our valued existing clients. Recently, Ive begun expanding our footprint along the Garden Route by appointing a dedicated business development manager for the region. The goal is to increase visibility and support the strong momentum were seeing in key areas like George. Her story is just one example of how Rhenus is creating space for women to lead. Championing gender diversity and empowering women at every level isnt just a goal for the logistics group it is a core part of its strategy. The company has a strong belief in the value women bring to the workplace and actively cultivates an environment where female professionals are trusted, supported and given the space to lead, says Wood. We dont just talk about inclusion, we live it. We trust our people, regardless of gender, and that trust creates a culture where everyone can thrive. This commitment is clearly reflected in the companys leadership pipeline, where women like Wood are not the exception, but part of a growing movement. Across our branches, more and more women are stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, bringing with them fresh perspectives, collaborative leadership styles and a deep sense of purpose, says Wood. By fostering workplaces where the culture is rooted in respect, trust and opportunity, we are doing more than just empowering women. We are redefining what leadership in logistics looks like. LV