Antonia Ambrozy, Director of eBookings Growth at WebCargo by Freightos, has a decade-long career in the airfreight industry, having worked in a number of roles at Lufthansa Cargo and American Airlines. Sitting down with Air Cargo Week, Ambrozy laid out her path into airfreight and experience.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
Actually, by coincidence! I studied in Germany and I wanted to do an internship abroad. And then I happened to come across the internship with Lufthansa Cargo in Stockholm. And, I’ve really never looked back since because people were just very nice to me. I felt like I learned a lot. I thought that it’s a really interesting industry, so I just stuck around.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
To ask as many questions as I would like. Even if it’s not the most interesting or relevant question, as long as I learn the answer, I’ll be able to grow moving forward.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
I have moved around the world with just a bag, from Germany to France, to the UK, to Sweden, to Finland, to the US… without money and just figuring it out along the way.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
Interesting, it would be Amelia Earhart because she’s the first woman who attempted to circumnavigate the world. I would love to speak to Barack Obama because I think his skills in talking to people are excellent. And I would love to have some advice from him. The third person is probably going to be Chris Martin from Coldplay because I really like their music. And I would love to hear where his inspiration comes from.
What is something we would not know about you from your CV?
I’m a big marathon runner. I want to complete 100 marathons before I turn 40 years old.
What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?
I don’t know if you can classify it as a hobby. I was always interested in studying law. I never got into it because I started in air cargo. I guess, in terms of hobbies, I’ve always wanted to try squash. But I always get scared when I see the velocity and the speed at which it goes.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To have more time during the day, because I feel like there’s always so much to do and experience. And I would love to do even more.
What is your proudest moment and your biggest regret?
The proudest moment in my personal life, I think was when my husband and I managed to move from the US to Germany during the pandemic because that was really tough. And in terms of work right now to grow transactions on WebCargo’s platform every quarter. And my biggest regret, I want to say back then was leaving Lufthansa Cargo. I ended up in an environment for a shorter period of time that was not a good fit. And it really made me doubt myself.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Having a mentor is always really helpful. Someone that can guide you and that you can also run ideas by. Additionally, not to be scared of challenges and to surround yourself with people that are smarter or better than you because they will help you grow.
How do you motivate your team?
I am very transparent, down to earth, humble and appreciate all of the work my team is doing. I truly don’t mind getting my hands dirty and being right there with them along the way. And I never forget to have fun and introduce some “out-of-the-box” ideas on a regular basis to keep them engaged and on their toes.
What would your autobiography be called?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
