Oyindamola Oyadara MILT

If someone had told me years ago that I would build a career in transport and logistics, I would have found it difficult to believe.

Like many young people, I initially saw my future in Accounting or Banking and Finance. Those were the career paths that felt familiar and widely accepted. Everything changed when my father introduced me to Transport and Logistics Management. At the time, I knew very little about the profession, and the reactions from those around me made the decision even more challenging.

Many people described logistics as "a man's job", physically demanding, highly pressured, and unsuitable for women. Yet what began as uncertainty eventually became one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.

I pursued both a diploma and a degree in Transport Planning and Management, gradually discovering the immense impact transport and logistics has on businesses, communities, and economies. The more I learned, the more I realised that behind every successful supply chain are professionals solving problems, connecting people, and keeping the world moving.

One of the defining moments of my career came during my time at MDS Logistics Ltd, now part of DP World. Working in haulage operations, I found myself as the only female within my department. The environment was demanding, and in the early stages, I often felt the pressure to prove myself.

Over time, I learned that effective leadership in logistics is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about consistency, accountability, communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. As my confidence grew, I became more effective in managing driver operations, supporting operational discipline, and contributing to more reliable service delivery.

Another proud milestone came when I joined STARCOM Nigeria Limited / EMI Systems Limited, where I expanded my knowledge into fleet tracking and telematics. I was challenged to independently configure tracking devices and support the transition from legacy systems to more advanced technology. Through persistence and continuous learning, I developed expertise in telematics solutions and gained a deeper appreciation of how data and technology are transforming modern logistics.

Returning to DP World in a more advanced role allowed me to combine operational knowledge with data-driven decision-making. I supported fleet performance monitoring, fuel efficiency initiatives, route optimisation, and operational reporting. Seeing how data could improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen accountability reinforced my belief that the future of logistics lies in innovation and informed decision-making.

My commitment to continuous professional development eventually led me to the United Kingdom, where I pursued further studies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Along the way, I gained additional qualifications in project management and ethical procurement, broadening my understanding of the profession and its evolving demands.

Becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) has been a particularly meaningful milestone in my journey. Through CILT, I have gained access to professional networks, learning opportunities, industry insights, and a community of professionals committed to advancing the sector. It has strengthened my confidence as a logistics professional and reinforced the importance of professionalism, lifelong learning, and collaboration.

Today, I am proud to contribute as a volunteer within the CILT(UK) Accessibility and Inclusion Forum, supporting efforts to make our profession more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities it serves.

Looking back, my journey into logistics was unexpected, but it has taught me some invaluable lessons: career paths are rarely linear, growth often begins outside our comfort zones, and talent has no gender.

As we celebrate 100 years of CILT's Royal Charter, I am reminded that our profession continues to evolve through innovation, resilience, and the dedication of its people. My hope for the future is a logistics and transport industry that embraces greater diversity, leverages technology responsibly, and creates opportunities for the next generation of professionals to thrive.

Transport and logistics has given me more than a career. It has given me purpose, challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. For that, I am grateful.