JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Sonal Singhal never planned to work in freight forwarding. She had always aspired to be a doctor. Fate, however, had other plans for her when she stumbled upon a summer job in a freight forwarding company. Little did she know that this serendipitous opportunity would lay the foundation for her inspiring career in logistics.
Fast forward more than 20 years, and now a seasoned veteran in the industry, Sonal joined JAS in 2020, where her initial days were met with many challenges. With no time for doubt or hesitation, she faced them head-on. Stepping into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for India, she embarked on a journey of building a team from scratch during a global pandemic, and leading sales – something she had never done before. "While I couldn't travel and meet teams and customers in person, I was able to use that extra time to double down on the behind-the-scenes work," she recounts.
Sonal's abilities and talents did not go unnoticed. In less than a year, she was named as Managing Director of India – making her one of just two female Managing Directors at JAS. Under her leadership, JAS India has experienced a change of culture coupled with remarkable growth and has become a pivotal player in the logistics space.
She is humble in all her accomplishments but recognizes there is still work to be done.
"I take pride in my role, but I also feel like I have a responsibility to mentor more women in this space, for leadership roles," she affirms, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, representation, and empowerment. As a woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry, Sonal acknowledges the challenges she's faced. "There are certain gender biases that still exist, it takes time to break those stigmas," she observes. Despite these obstacles, Sonal remains resilient, offering words of encouragement to aspiring women in the field. "Don't give up, and just keep doing your best," she advises, embodying perseverance and determination.
She is passionate about the powerful role of encouragement and mentorship, as she knows first-hand how it feels when someone believes in you more than you believe in yourself. She recalls what made her stay on at her first freight forwarding company, "I actually didn't want to stay, but the head of the organization loved my work and encouraged me that I could succeed. I think the faith and belief he showed in me then was something that influenced me to stay. And history repeated itself at JAS, where leadership has entrusted the same confidence in me and gave me an opportunity which I couldn't have dreamed for myself, at least not so soon. This is a great sign at JAS with male allies promoting inclusivity and driving the change."
Sonal remembers how that empowerment made her feel and now ingrains the same sentiment into her leadership philosophy. "Failures are yours, and success belongs to the team," she asserts, embodying a collaborative approach to leadership. She champions democratic decision-making and fosters a culture of open communication and feedback, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Sonal is a devoted mother of two teenage boys and is a loving daughter. Balancing her career with family responsibilities, she finds fulfillment in nurturing her children and maintaining strong ties with her parents – all with the support of her spouse, without which it would have been impossible. "I'm trying my best to raise them as men a society would like to see," Sonal lovingly shares.
Sonal's journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and dedication. As she continues to pave the way for women in logistics, her impact extends far beyond the boardroom, inspiring future generations of female leaders.
JAS Brazil proudly announces the appointment of Karin Schöner as its new Managing Director/President, effective May 2, 2024.
Karin Schöner is a native Brazilian executive recognized for her extensive expertise and leadership in the logistics industry. With a distinguished career , Karin has held key roles in sales, general management, and strategic leadership across various countries and sectors, including airlines, freight forwarding, contract logistics, and maritime operations. Prior to joining JAS Brazil, Karin served as the President for a company in the East Coast of South America, where she successfully led transformation initiatives.
Karin's track record is a testament to her exceptional capabilities in navigating complex challenges, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving innovation in supply chain management. Her deep understanding of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices positions her as a leader in the logistics landscape.
Throughout her career, Karin has demonstrated a commitment to developing and empowering her teams. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning, resulting in high-performing teams that consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. Karin's passion for nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence aligns seamlessly with JAS's core values and vision for sustainable growth.
"Karin's unparalleled expertise, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence make her the ideal leader to propel JAS Brazil forward. We look forward to her transformative leadership and contributions to our continued growth and success in the region," Adrian Emmenegger, Executive Vice President of JAS Americas, expressed with confidence.
Karin Schöner's appointment as Managing Director/President reinforces JAS's commitment to delivering superior logistics solutions, driving innovation, and exceeding customer expectations across Brazil and beyond.
JAS team members worldwide celebrated Earth Month through various activities aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation. From beach cleanups to tree planting, each activity reflected JAS's dedication to making a positive difference in local communities and beyond.
In Germany, China, and Panama, JAS team members joined forces to plant over 1,300 trees. In Germany's Lower Saxony, to promote ecological resilience, employees chose a diverse range of tree species that they knew would thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. Similarly, in Xiamen, China, the JAS branch organized a poignant tree planting event aimed at enriching urban greenery and enhancing the cityscape, reflecting the team's commitment to sustainable development. Meanwhile, in Panama, JAS Panama collaborated with local organizations to plant native trees within the Camino de Cruces National Park, a vital initiative aimed at restoring habitats and preserving the region's rich biodiversity.
Simultaneously, in Taiwan, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Sweden, JAS team members united their efforts as they cleaned up costal shorelines and forests, embodying their shared commitment to environmental preservation. With gloves on and bags in hand, they combed the beaches, collecting everything from plastic bottles to cigarette butts, restoring the natural beauty of the their local communities.
In Brazil, JAS team members partnered with the NGO Iracambi, and headed into the Atlantic rainforest to engage in various volunteer activities aimed at preserving this vital ecosystem. Through hands-on experiences like tree planting for reforestation and participating in educational workshops on sustainable practices, the Brazil team demonstrated their commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness.
Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President of QHSE & Sustainability, commented, "From tree planting to coastal cleanups, our collective actions reflect our dedication to making a real and tangible difference in the communities we serve. Through collaboration and shared responsibility, our teams contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come."
As Earth Month ends, JAS Worldwide stands proud of the collective efforts made by our global team to champion environmental stewardship. From tree planting endeavors in Germany, China, and Panama to coastal cleanups in Taiwan, Netherlands, and Sweden, and conservation efforts in Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, each initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. These efforts exemplify the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility that defines JAS, inspiring us to continue our journey towards a more sustainable world. Together, we are paving the way for a greener, cleaner tomorrow.
At JAS, sustainability is a journey we're deeply committed to, and Earth Month serves as an ideal moment to shine a spotlight on initiatives that embody this commitment. One initiative that continues to drive positive change is JAS ECONTAINER, our innovative ocean freight solution designed to enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
JAS ECONTAINER combines the efficiency of headload shipments with eco-friendly practices. This approach has been at the forefront of our efforts for some time now, as highlighted by Vice President, Global Head of LCL, Peter Sinka.
"In our ongoing journey towards sustainability, JAS ECONTAINER stands as a testament to our commitment to environmental responsibility," says Sinka. "By encouraging frequent replenishment and eliminating the pressure to fill containers to capacity, JAS ECONTAINER helps shippers reduce inventory costs, optimize warehouse space, and mitigate supply chain disruptions."
JAS ECONTAINER isn't just about operational efficiency—it's about driving meaningful change in the industry. Sinka emphasizes the product's positive environmental impact, citing its adoption of Marine Biofuel programs through insetting to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint.
"Our goal was to create a product that not only meets modern supply chain challenges but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability," Sinka explains. "By choosing JAS ECONTAINER, shippers not only benefit from cost savings and operational efficiencies but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future."
Beyond its environmental benefits, JAS ECONTAINER offers a competitive edge in the market. Sinka notes that the product bridges the gap between traditional LCL and FCL offerings, providing cost-effective solutions for shipments ranging from 20 to 50 CBM.
"Traditionally, LCL shipments face competitiveness challenges beyond a certain volume threshold," Sinka observes. "JAS ECONTAINER's pricing methodology ensures cost-effectiveness even for larger shipments, making it a preferred choice for shippers seeking optimal value and sustainability."
As businesses worldwide prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency, JAS ECONTAINER emerges as a catalyst for positive change. Its flat-rate pricing model, strategic consolidation strategies, and eco-friendly initiatives not only drive cost savings but also empower shippers to make environmentally conscious choices.
"In a world where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, JAS ECONTAINER offers a compelling solution," Sinka concludes. "We invite businesses to join us in embracing a greener future—one shipment at a time."
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