Meet Joanne: Freight Forwarder at Stadium Export Services

Joanne joined Stadium Export Services as a Freight Forwarder in 2021. We sat down with her to find out about her time with the business so far and hear about her passions.

Tell us about your job role

I joined the business in April 2021 as a Freight Forwarder. I organise all freight movement including imports, exports, arranging customs documentation and transportation by air, road and sea.

How did you get into freight forwarding?

It’s an area that I’ve always been interested in. I worked for my previous employer for around 29 years, beginning my career as an Office Junior when I was just 19 years old. As part of this, I used to help in the import department which I really enjoyed.

I worked my way up to Import Controller maintaining all imports into Bonded Warehouse. Keeping up with all customs and excise regulations, and processing duty and VAT monthly payment reports for the company accounts, once the goods are removed from bonded facility.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

There is always so much going on, so it never gets boring! I really enjoy the variety and how no two days are the same. Things change with customs all the time, especially since Brexit, so there is always something new to learn.

In my previous role, I only dealt with imports but at Stadium, I get to work with all aspects of freight forwarding so it is really interesting and varied. The days fly over!

What is the most interesting project you have worked on?

We have been working with new customers recently who work on an urgent, ‘on demand’ basis. I really enjoy working with new customers, getting them on-boarded and making sure that we understand their business needs.

What gets you up in the morning?

I really like my job, the people I work with are lovely! I have been working since I was really young so I’ve always had the mindset of getting up and going to work. I also like to keep myself active, I got into fitness when I was in-between roles by joining a gym so I could keep some routine and get out of the house.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by people around me who have done well for themselves. I really admire people who take risks and go for their dreams, I find it commendable.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to keep fit. I go to a yoga class a couple of times a week and attend a sound bath on Mondays. I am really interested in mindfulness and mental health, I enjoy listening to Joe Dispenza meditation podcasts and reading books by motivational speaker, Wayne Dyer. I am also keen to learn meditation, I think it is important to have those moments of calm.

What are you passionate about?

During the pandemic I discovered that I really enjoy drawing. I had never done it before, but I gave it a go and enjoyed it, and a few people have told me that I am quite good! I love music as well, I go to a few festivals and live music events with my daughter/friends.

I would also love to learn another language, something else on my bucket list!

What are you most proud of?

My daughter, Myka. I’m really proud of her. I think she looks up to me, but I also look up to her because she is so grounded and sensible for her age. She is doing so well in her apprenticeship at NCFE and I really admire her sense of adventure with wanting to travel and experience places. I am so proud that she has the confidence to do that.

Thanks for speaking to us Joanne. We wish you the best of luck with your future career.