In this edition of The Voice of Atlas, we meet Nada Mohammed from Al-Jazeera for Transportation & Logistic Services, based in Sana’a, Yemen. Her journey in logistics is one of determination, growth, and hands-on leadership in an industry where every day brings new challenges. From building strong operations to navigating regional disruptions and working with reliable partners, Nada shares how passion, confidence, and resilience have shaped her path in logistics.
We’d love to hear your story – how did you get started in the logistics world, and what motivated you to stay?
I entered the logistics world driven by a passion for organization, problem-solving, and managing complex global operations. Together with my partners, we focused on building and scaling our business step by step. What keeps me motivated every single day is the dynamic nature of this industry—no two days are ever the same. Leading operations, overcoming daily challenges, and seeing our shared vision grow into a successful regional reality is incredibly rewarding.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in logistics today, and how do you think the industry is handling it?
The biggest challenges today are regional conflicts and ongoing wars, which directly cause major port disruptions, vessel rerouting, and skyrocketing freight costs. These delays heavily impact operational timelines and lead to massive financial burdens for clients, especially with soaring demurrage and detention charges. The industry is trying to handle this by implementing risk-management strategies, maintaining higher flexibility in supply routes, and focusing on real-time tracking to mitigate these sudden costs.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics; How is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
At Al Jazeera, we are committed to optimizing our routes to reduce carbon emissions and minimize empty miles. We also focus on digitalizing our documentation to move toward paperless operations, and we constantly encourage our transport partners to maintain modern, fuel-efficient fleets.
Is there a specific project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of? Tell us about it.
I am particularly proud of our team's collective achievement in expanding our operational footprint and setting up robust customs clearance channels in challenging regions. Successfully managing large-scale container procurement and smooth multi-modal transport under tight deadlines has been a major milestone. I pride myself on driving these operations forward and ensuring that our company and partnerships grow stronger with every project we deliver.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in logistics, especially those who may feel intimidated by its traditionally male presence?
My advice is simple: Never let stereotypes define your capabilities. Logistics requires sharp analytical thinking, strong negotiation skills, and high emotional intelligence—qualities where women naturally excel. Trust your skills, speak with confidence, and let your competence and results lead the way. The industry is changing, and diverse perspectives are highly valued.
You’ve been with us for a few months now – how has the journey been so far? Any highlights or surprises?
The journey has been an interesting learning experience. While the network management has been incredibly supportive, I’ve noticed that member engagement can sometimes be selective; for instance, when sending an inquiry to multiple agents in a specific country, only a few respond. However, the highlight has been discovering those few dedicated, highly responsive partners who genuinely value active cooperation. For me, it is about finding quality and reliable partners rather than just quantity.
What’s one resource or feature within the network you think more members should take advantage of?
I strongly believe members should take full advantage of the communication channels to be more responsive to new inquiries. In logistics, speed is everything. If more members committed to quick replies—even if just to acknowledge a request—it would significantly lift the overall efficiency and trust within the network, creating more hidden collaborative opportunities for everyone.
What’s one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
While they know me as a focused, detail-oriented Operations Manager, they might be surprised to learn that away from spreadsheets and shipping schedules, I have a deep passion for landscape design and gardening—especially growing climbing plants and aromatic greens. It’s my favorite way to recharge!
Thank you, Nada, for sharing your story and valuable insights with us. We are proud to have Al-Jazeera for Transportation & Logistic Services as part of the Atlas network.