For the latest edition of our Apollo member interview series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Edward Lee from Shanghai, China. Edward shared his fascinating journey, from accidentally starting a career in logistics to founding his own company. We also explored his belief in the importance of staying open-minded and continuously learning throughout life. Join us as we hear Edward’s inspiring story and gain valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving world of logistics.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
It was literally a coincidence for me to start my forwarding career , I once worked in a R&D division for a company in a new energy industry after graduating from University cause my major is engineering.
However, after a year easy daily work at a lab , I made up my mind to find myself a challenge as I was keen to try some sales position dealing with people even if I did not have any experience then.
Before long, I sent a few resumes for various companies , I got the first sales offer from a forwarding company , I had no hesitation to take this offer straight away without getting a single clue about the logistics industry.
This happened in 1996 so I have been through a long 28 years of journey so far , starting from sales, then to a BD manager until being a BD director, afterwards being invited to work in the UK for a British group developing the Far East market.
Finally, I went back to Shanghai to set up EDL in the year of 2005 from one single office to nowadays multiple teams across the country to serve our customers worldwide.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
I do like in the platform getting the opportunity to know more new friends and partners whom we could team up for a long long successful time ahead together.
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
If I could , perhaps I would find a way to get the carriers focusing on their core customers like forwarders rather than cutting them off in the middle by taking business away from the direct customers.
What is the most important lesson working in logistics has taught you?
To keep ourselves always open minded as our experience and knowledge are never enough for us to stop learning something new.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
What I like the most in our industry is that we are never bored for our works as there are always ever-changing challenges coming up and waiting for us to be resolved.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
We devote ourselves all the time to providing our customers/partners with the service oriented and the most competitive solution.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
I do like that we have the platform and the opportunity to know more new friends and partners whom we could team up for a long long successful time ahead together.
How do you relax in your free time?
In my spare time after works, I enjoy reading a book, or listening music , of course travelling around the world which could always refresh myself ready for new challenges.
Thank you, Edward!