Bozena
Multack is Senior Regional Performance Manager Cargo
Operations EMEI for United Airlines Cargo.
She
is a striking presence—tall, angular, and in charge
as she strides into the lobby of Intercity Hotel in
Cargo City SUD Frankfurt for an early morning appointment.
It’s about the
purpose and way she moves, and the bright smile that
radiates a sense of excitement for the future.
No doubt, we have been
wondering how this Poland native made the transition
into air cargo.
Right away she makes
it clear that her drive—just like her walk—is
determined and directed to reaching for the brass ring.
After just a few minutes
of conversation, it is quite clear that Boenza is on
the ride of her life and enjoying every minute of it.
“I began my career
at United Cargo by actually moving over from ULD provider
Jettainer,” she said.
“United made a
decision after a five-year contract with that company
to insource the containers and asked me to join the
airline.
“My mission was
to put together a logistics group within United to manage
all aspects of global ULD activity.
“It was a great
adventure and it all took place from UA headquarters
in Chicago.
“Working out of
Willis Tower, we began from scratch and built a program
that we think is a benchmark for the business.
“Those two years
were a thrilling experience, developing many new skills
while hiring team members and designing processes from
the ground up.
“I was able to
create something of my very own, something that was
meant to drive advantages to the airline and our customers
and at the same time I got to broaden my horizons—a
very thrilling proposition indeed,” Bozena said.
“Of course, what
we accomplished was due to great leadership at UA, but
at the same time there was a fantastic level of trust.”
Born
To Fly
Bozena Multack studied Aeronautical Science at The Embry
Riddle University in Miami, Florida.
“I have a minor
in aviation safety and also another minor in aviation
business, and part of that involved studies in supply
chain management,” she said.
“I am also a certified
pilot and have about 800 hours in private aircraft.
“Flight training
was part of my degree, but I also fly for fun.
“I guess I have
always had a love of the airline business,” Bozena
smiled.
Bozena Multack is the
youngest of nine children in a first generation family
that emigrated from Poland to Chicago.
“The one thing
Mom and Dad told me is to respect work ethics.
“I was taught from
childhood that every job means something, and that has
driven my ambition to work and advance both my company
and life.
“After completing
two years setting up UA Cargo ULD, I decided to shift
gears and spent an additional two years working with
a team at UA called ‘operations innovation.’
“I worked with
an inspired group of people that went from department
to department at the airline, first studying procedures,
policies, and the like, then searching for improvements,”
she said.
 Based
At Cargo City Sud
These days, Bozena Multack is based at Building 579C
in the heart of Frankfurt Cargo in Germany.
From that vantage point,
she gets a head start in delivering a product offering
from UA that is increasingly capturing the imagination
of the global shipping public.
Although she doesn’t
come right out and say it, at times Bozena serves as
a fireman, on the scene to put out any fires that arise
anywhere in her service area, which includes Europe,
Middle East, or India.
While we talk her cell-phone
performs its vibrating “pick me up” dance
on the table.
Bozena answers it and
says:
“Yes, but the appointment
isn’t until 1400 this afternoon,” confirming
what sounds like a customer concern appointment later
that day.
In any case, as she speaks
we get the feeling that nothing is ignored in the shipping
process world of Bozena.
Market
Savvy Is Key
“Knowing the market is key.”
“For example, in
Amsterdam the problem might be trucking. So we rely
on our team members to assess the situation and report
to us so that we can come up with the solution together.
“From my centralized
vantage point, I can move the pieces.
“Interestingly,
every case, whether routine or something completely
new, adds to the encyclopedia of skills and solutions
that can work anywhere else.
“I view our business
partners as an extension of myself.
“Their success
is my success.
“So if they are
doing well, I am too.
“In other words,
making things work better always adds up.”
Education
Is Integral To The Future
As for what air cargo can do better, without hesitation
Bozena proclaims:
“Cargo is not agile—regulations
and a lack of information are the culprits, I think.
“As an industry
we to invest in people.
“I would recommend
that everyone in air cargo advance their education in
all aspects of this business.
“Today there are
a multitude of specialized courses being offered both
in university and online and also via training specialists
that can better equip both current and next generation
cargo people to better prepare them to handle the future.
“Study laterally
and learn as much as you can about these giant companies
driving air cargo and be better equipped through true
understanding to advance our industry ahead,”
Bozena declares.
Off
Time
“I read a lot. That includes almost anything I
can get my hands on, including a good book.
“I stay centered
whether on or off the job by mediation at the beginning
of everyday, and also as often as needed,” she
smiles.
“I love air cargo
for its dynamism and vibrancy.
“Here we have opportunity
and challenge a-plenty.”
Geoffrey/Sabiha |
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