With over three years of experience in airfreight and logistics, Martijn Smeets works in technology in the freight forwarding sector at CargoClub, an industry first start-up looking to tackle customer retention. 

What was your dream job as a child? 

I always dreamed about joining the Dutch equivalent of SWAT.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry? 

You cannot go around tech/AI nowadays

What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?

Organisations that pretend to be “customer-centric.”

Window or aisle seat? 

Window.

What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

You may be right, but not everyone acknowledges it.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be? 

Air traffic controller.

Which three items would you bring to a desert island? 

Enough food, a good book, and a satellite phone.

Tea or coffee?

Espresso.

What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?

John Wick 1.

What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work? 

United States.

If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?

Airline Full Surcharges are no longer allowed.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

The Champs – Tequila

Describe your job in three words

Creative, opportunity and scary (financially).

What’s your hidden talent? 

I’m mediocre at golf

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?

Better understand cultural differences.

What’s something on your bucket list?

Visit New Zealand.

What’s the best airport in the world, and why? Bengaluru International Terminal. Beautiful design and smooth process.

If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be? 

A white-tailed eagle.

How did you get into airfreight/logistics?

This was the only sector during Covid-19 that was hiring. Credits to Peter Penseel for introducing me to this world.

What quote has most resonated with you?

Every disadvantage has its advantage – Johan Cruyff.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

You’ve got to hang the decoration yourself. Meaning you are responsible for your own happiness and nobody else will do it for you.

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Skydiving at 9000 feet.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

I support a local elderly home doing grocery shopping.