Fuelling the future of logistics: Gi Group Holding at the Leaders in Logistics Summit
The logistics world is transforming at breakneck speed—booming e-commerce, the race for last-mile delivery, and the twin challenges of achieving sustainability while embracing AI and robotics profitably and responsibly. But where do we find the talent to drive all this change? How can we empower our teams to adapt? And how can we keep them engaged, cared for, and ready to thrive in this brave new world?
These were among the big questions being asked when over 800 top industry leaders gathered for the Leaders in Logistics Summit in Berlin (12-13 March).
Gi Group Holding was right in the thick of it—proudly sponsoring the event and hosting a vibrant booth. We had a fantastic time catching up with clients, partners, and colleagues from around the globe.
We were also excited to share our European Logistics Workforce Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Lightcast. Packed with actionable insights, the report speaks to many of the summit’s key themes, brought to life by some inspiring keynote speakers.
Here’s our perspective on the key takeaways for logistics leaders right now:
Challenge outdated perceptions
Logistics leaders must dispel the discrepancy between public perceptions of the industry and the generally high satisfaction levels reported by logistics workers, frequently surpassing those of other sectors. As Corinna Refsgaard, Chief Human Resources Officer at GXO Logistics put it: “In logistics we are loud—we make a mess, and our vans fill up the streets. But without dedicated logistics employees, supply chains would stall, and supermarket shelves would be empty.”
At Gi Group Holding, we’re passionate about the value of logistics work and the pride it should inspire, a view shared by many of our partners. Indeed, in our interview with IKEA Supply’s Andrea Colzani, he stressed that logistics offers dynamic, rewarding, and well-paid careers: “Many companies offer on-the-job training and skills development programmes that help employees with career advancement.” It’s up to leaders to build pride in logistics—showcasing people’s vital role in this indispensable field.
Invest in leadership development
While the reasons behind these challenges are complex—ranging from pay and benefits to work-life balance, transportation, and job security—one thing is clear: strong leadership can make a real difference. Keynote speaker Corinna Refsgaard, CHRO at GXO Logistics, stressed that investing in leadership training is one of the most powerful ways to boost engagement and improve attendance.
Leaders who communicate clearly, foster trust, and create a culture of support can help employees feel more valued and motivated to show up, even in times of uncertainty. As Corrina noted, leaders must walk the talk by embracing behaviours like curiosity, agility, and trust-building. For more on this, check out Gi Group Holding’s The Human Factor report.
Embrace technology and reskilling with a human touch
Corinna shared some staggering statistics: by 2030, as many as two-thirds of current roles might be automated—reminding us not to underestimate the impact of upcoming job changes. As leaders, we must steer this transition by embracing technology while intentionally building a culture that drives innovation and engagement. “Tech alone won’t transform the business—it’s about engaging your people to drive the right outcomes.” We must recognise that change can create anxiety. Work environments may feel less predictable, roles may shift, and new technologies may raise concerns about job security.
Her advice? Stay agile, foster cross-functional collaboration, and set clear expectations to support the cultural shift necessary for meaningful upskilling. The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Adapt without overwhelm by breaking the transition into manageable steps and investing in targeted training. Learn more in our article: The Role of AI in a People-Centric Company.
At Gi Group Holding, we know that logistics is all about talent. We’re proud to connect skilled individuals with rewarding work while empowering organisations to tap into the full potential of their workforce.
Ready to boost your logistics talent strategy?
Download our European Logistics Workforce Trends Report , explore our full range of insights, and contact us to find out more.
