Anda Urzica works in freight forwarding at Discordia, a leading company in Eastern Europe’s logistics industry, renowned for connecting global trade through efficient logistics solutions. With over 15 years of experience in airfreight and logistics, she has built a reputation for reliability, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills.
Throughout her career, Anda has gained extensive experience managing complex shipments, fostering relationships across the supply chain, and navigating the evolving demands of international transport. Driven by the fast-paced nature of logistics, she is motivated by the knowledge that her work helps keep businesses and communities moving worldwide.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
I was drawn into logistics by the challenge of problem-solving on a global scale. The idea of connecting businesses across continents fascinated me, and I wanted to be part of something that makes international trade possible.
If you have not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?
I think I would have enjoyed international relations or business consulting, since both fields also involve global connections and strategic thinking.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Be ready for unpredictability. Logistics is about solving problems under pressure, but it’s also one of the most rewarding industries for people who enjoy fast-paced challenges.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on the job?
No matter how much planning you do, something could go wrong, but how you react makes the difference. Flexibility is everything.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t rush the process—master it.” It taught me to value consistency over speed. In logistics and leadership alike, it’s the details and relationships you build over time that define long-term success.
What motivates you to stay in this industry?
The constant change and the global scale. Every shipment is part of a bigger story, and I like knowing I play a role in connecting supply chains worldwide.
What’s been the biggest turning point in your career?
Joining Discordia. It gave me the opportunity to take on more responsibility and see firsthand how much impact a freight forwarder can have.
If you could change one thing about the logistics industry, what would it be?
Implement more digitalisation and streamlined processes that could help everyone.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?
Balancing the urgency of daily operations with the need to think strategically. In freight forwarding, there’s always something happening right now, but part of leadership is making time to look ahead—to build systems that prevent tomorrow’s problems.
What’s the most memorable cargo or shipment you’ve worked on?
Shipments involving urgent medical supplies. Knowing the work had a direct impact on people’s lives made it unforgettable.
How do you motivate your team?
By being transparent and act as an example. If people understand the bigger picture, they naturally feel more invested.
What leadership traits do you value the most?
Empathy and decisiveness—you need both to guide people in logistics.
How do you handle setbacks or failure?
As lessons. In logistics, every failure highlights a process that can be improved.
What does a typical day look like for you as a leader?
No two days are truly alike, but they all start with checking in on my team—seeing what support they need. Then it’s a mix of coordination, problem-solving, client communication, and a lot of decision-making.
What’s your approach to mentoring new talent?
I believe mentoring starts with listening. I encourage them to ask questions and learn by doing. The best way to grow in logistics is through hands-on experience with real shipments.
What quote has most resonated with you?
“Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” – it reminds me that great results come from showing up every day with purpose and discipline.
What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?
Proudest: Handling a time-critical project that seemed impossible at first.
Biggest regret: Not taking more risks earlier in my career.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
It is probably the fact that although I graduated as an English teacher, I decided not to pursue this job.
Who is your role model?
Leaders who stay calm under pressure. Calmness in chaos inspires me.
What accomplishment are you most proud of outside of work?
Volunteering for projects that brought smiles on faces of people that are sometimes too worried to smile.
What’s a failure you’re grateful for?
I am grateful for all failures that have turned into life lessons because failures are signs that you’ve tried.
What does success look like to you?
Success is when the people around you grow because of something you’ve contributed—whether that’s an idea, an opportunity, or simply encouragement.
What would your autobiography be called?
“Lessons Between Destinations”; because every journey—professional or personal—teaches you something, even the ones that don’t go as planned.
What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you professionally?
Getting support in my initiatives is an act of kindness and trust that motivates me to do more.
What’s one lesson your job has taught you about life?
Patience and adaptability—because just like in logistics, life rarely goes according to plan.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Competing at an off-road event.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I would like to be able to travel from one place to another. instantly.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
Who else but me?
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My father and my grandparents, because they made a huge impact on the person I am today, and I could never get bored of talking with them.
What’s your most used emoji?
Rainbows.
What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?
Best – a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker
Worst- An overrated air purifier
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never got around to?
DIY home projects
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
Early riser or night owl?
Night owl.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Pampering days just for me
If your life were a book or movie, what genre would it be?
Adventure with a touch of comedy
If you could live in any era for a week, which would it be and why?
The 60s’ for all the thrill and the new beginnings of that decade.
If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
An airline pilot. I’d love to experience the skies from their perspective.
If you could master one skill instantly, what would it be?
Fluency in multiple languages—it would make global logistics (and travel) even more seamless.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you?
A water purifier, a knife, and a sun umbrella
If you were a brand, what would your slogan be?
“Always moving forward.”
What would your dream job be if money wasn’t a factor?
I would organize movements for creative projects around the world, like music or film tours.
What’s a fictional character you really relate to?
Wonder Woman:)
If your pet could talk, what would it say about you?
“Why always coffee comes first?”
If you were an emoji, which one would you be?
😉- you’ve got it!
Travel & Culture
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
A book.
What’s your favourite city in the world and why?
Barcelona, for the vibe and the nice weather
Aisle or window seat?
Aisle.
What’s your top travel hack?
Fasting during the long flights.
Where’s the most unusual place your job has taken you?
I would say inside airport cargo terminals where you see how fast things move and how much coordination it takes to get every shipment on the right plane.
What destination is still on your bucket list?
Japan—for its mix of tradition, technology, and logistics innovation.
What’s the best airport you’ve passed through?
Singapore Changi—everything about it is designed around the traveler.
What travel experience changed your perspective?
A trip to Punta Cana made me realize that some locations are purely for relaxation.
What’s your ideal holiday: adventure or relaxation?
A mix of both.
What’s your ultimate travel playlist?
It is a mix of varieties: a little bit of rock and feel- good oldies with vacation vibes
Quick-Fire Choices
Coffee or tea? Coffee always.
Sweet or savoury? Sweet
Books or movies? Books
Classic car or electric vehicle? Classic car
Solo travel or group trips? Solo, for the freedom to choose what to do.
