Chris Edwards

 

I’ve been in the industry for 35 years as of December 2024, but it all started with a simple newspaper job ad. Like many in my generation, I applied for a cadet role straight out of the NZ Herald. I had a strong interest in geography and economics and thought freight forwarding - as it was known then - might align with those interests. Many of my peers were headed to university, but at 18, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, aside from replacing The Edge in U2. I figured I’d try freight forwarding for a year and see how I liked it. I never left.

 

Today, I have the privilege of leading the team at GO Logistics as the company owner. For the past 20 years, I’ve been part of the leadership group shaping the direction of the business. This year marks a transition as I step back from the day-to-day operations in New Zealand, entrusting our highly capable GMs, while I focus on exploring new opportunities in Australia and the U.S.

 

Looking back, my faith and family have been the foundation of my journey. Professionally, I owe much to the directors, managers, and team members - past and present - who’ve shared in both the challenges and opportunities of running a business. A relentless thirst for learning has also been crucial. They say “leaders are readers,” and I take that seriously, getting through around 40 books a year to stay informed in an ever-evolving world.

 

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a shift from an industry built on strong personal relationships to one that feels increasingly faceless. Decision-making, once handled onshore through direct relationships, is now often pushed offshore. Additionally, industry roles have become more blurred shipping lines weren’t airlines when I started! Despite these changes, what keeps me engaged is the people. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business. Logistics also gives you a front-row seat to how the world operates, which I find endlessly fascinating.

 

The most interesting project I’ve worked on is unfortunately bound by a confidentiality clause! What I can share is that we won a contract with a major global company, which has been a game-changer for our New Zealand and Australian operations. It reaffirmed my belief that, despite all the technology and pricing models in the world, relationships still matter - sometimes, a great conversation over dinner can lead to business-changing opportunities.

 

To young people considering a career in this industry, I’d say the same thing I recently told my daughter: “Go for it!” Supply chain can be a rewarding career that offers opportunities to travel, solid earning potential, and the chance to learn on the job. While it might not be as glamorous as other fields, it rewards common sense and hard work.

 

COVID-19 brought global attention to supply chains, highlighting the need for collaboration across the industry. However, as we move forward, there’s a risk of slipping back into old silos. Challenges like productivity and an aging workforce must be tackled collectively if we want to secure the future of logistics for New Zealand. Being part of the council is a great way to build stronger relationships and contribute to meaningful decision-making. For those looking to give back, it’s an excellent opportunity to shape the future of our profession.

 

When asked about my ‘why,’ I find it difficult to answer succinctly. It’s easy - and even admirable - to stay busy and work hard. But ultimately, except in a few industries like Pharma, we must remember that we’re moving freight, not saving lives. Keeping that perspective is a lesson I keep learning.