Employee Spotlight: Chatting with Jason Walker

Get to know our Export Account Manager, Jason Walker, with our insightful Q&A on his career journey and life in logistics. Discover the insights, skills, and experiences that have shaped Jason’s journey during his time with Unsworth.

Can you share a bit about your journey in the freight forwarding industry? What led you to pursue this field, and how has your experience evolved over the years??

Back in the day when you went to the career's office, freight forwarding wasn’t something that was usually at the top of the list. When I was 17, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take but I knew I enjoyed talking to people.??

I wasn’t to know that logistics was a big part of it. But I enjoyed the engagement with customers. You can never really find 100% of what you set out to do but consider the things that make you tick and align them with what you’re doing then you’re on a good path.?

??

What is it that’s kept you at Unsworth throughout your career??

I've never felt micromanaged; instead, I've felt trusted. Building strong relationships with colleagues has been key. The camaraderie within teams really creates a sense of belonging. I owe a lot to my first mentor, whose guidance was pivotal to my development. Feeling supported by senior teams and experiencing mutual respect further solidified my commitment to the company.?

?

You won both our quarterly ‘Gone the Extra Mile’ award as well as our ‘Laser-Focused’ award at our New Year event. How does it feel to be recognised for your hard work??

I never expected to be rewarded for simply doing my job, but I am grateful to gain recognition. There are times I have had to do a bit of overtime, or I may have taken a client call out of normal office hours, and it seems these things haven’t gone unnoticed at all. It felt pretty good to be celebrated and I’m glad to know that senior leadership can see how hard all of us work.??

?

Can you share a recent project or accomplishment that highlights your expertise in our industry? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them??

One notable project involved securing air freight quotes, leading to new business opportunities. Additionally, overseeing the shipping of refrigerated containers filled with potato seeds from Scotland to Egypt presented logistical hurdles that were overcome through meticulous planning and execution.?

??

As someone who's been with us for a while, how would you describe the company culture? Are there any core values or traditions that have remained constant??

I've always appreciated the family-run element. There's a camaraderie that encourages hard work while also empowering individuals to leverage their strengths. Recognising my ability to connect with customers, the company provided opportunities that allowed me to make a difference in that regard. This realisation has played a significant role in carving out avenues for growth and development.??

??

Speaking of family, you work alongside your wife Lyn, one of our Import Supervisors. How is it working with family???

It definitely enhances the sense of connection across teams. Within this environment, we're both encouraged to work hard and utilise our individual strengths. This understanding has not only strengthened our professional bond but also paved the way for personal and professional growth. We even managed to get our teenage daughter a work experience placement here last year to see how the freight world worked. Her experience with our incredible teammates has made a lasting impact.?

??

We take pride in our ability to highlight our people and our tech. What do you think makes Unsworth an industry leader in this regard??

Our ability to balance people-based customer service and advanced supply chain technology is what sets us apart. Our tech-based platform, Pathway, streamlines our clients freight movements, with enhanced shipment visibility, analytics and reporting. However, our team are always on hand, going above and beyond, to provide excellent service. That’s what positions us as leaders in the field.??

??

What advice would you give to someone looking to join the industry??

Ask questions, seek knowledge through your peers or courses like BIFA. Utilise your resources! Patience is key but remember to be proactive in your approach.?