We are thrilled to welcome Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide, to the AWESOME community! With over 20 years of experience in global logistics, Andrea brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to our network. In a recent interview, Andrea shared insights into her journey in the supply chain industry and her passion for driving sustainability initiatives.
Andrea is Senior Vice President QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide, an American Logistics Company based in Atlanta, GA.
She has over 20 years of experience in Logistics including operational freight forwarding (air//ocean), key account management for different vertical markets such as automotive and corporate strategy.
Andrea is focused on sustainable growth and business transformation by considering the whole logistics ecosystem and stakeholders as customers, strategic suppliers, and employees. This includes general management and all ESG aspects as evolving regulations, human rights, global geopolitics and risk management in line with the company strategy.
Making a holistic impact for sustainable transformation is driving her professional and private life. Andrea holds degrees in Economics, Freight Forwarding and a Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA.
AWESOME
Hi Andrea, I’m so excited to welcome you to the AWESOME community! My first question is, what excites you about this network?
Andrea Goeman
It’s always amazing to connect with women and a diverse group of people in logistics. Our field is constantly evolving, and we’re facing both challenges and opportunities. Working together and sharing ideas and solutions is what makes me excited to be here.
AWESOME
So, you’re drawn to the community aspect, collaboration, and maybe some mentorship or networking opportunities?
Goeman
Absolutely. Networking is so valuable. I also recently moved from Europe to the U.S., so expanding my network here is important. In my previous roles, my focus was mainly in Europe and Germany. Being in the U.S. now is a huge change, so connecting with others in the industry outside my company, JAS, is really exciting.
AWESOME
How did you hear about AWESOME?
Goeman
I found out about AWESOME through my Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA program. I was invited to a women’s summit where I learned that Ann Drake, the founder of AWESOME, would be a major speaker. I thought, wow, this is incredible—a powerful woman in logistics actively involved in a community like AWESOME. That’s when I signed up. It really resonated with me, especially since I’ve spent my career in supply chain and logistics.
AWESOME
That’s fantastic! I’d love to learn more about your background and how you got into supply chain.
Goeman
My background is in supply chain and logistics. I’ve worked mainly for 3PL companies, dealing with air, ocean, and trucking services. My journey started with an apprenticeship in Europe, which is a hands-on, three-year training program. After that, I spent some time in the U.S. working in operations for a smaller freight forwarder, and then went back to Germany to join a large global freight firm, where I moved from operations to sales. Eventually, I shifted to strategy roles, and that’s where I began working on sustainability, which remains my passion. At JAS, I joined around a year and a half ago to build the sustainability function. To me, sustainability goes hand in hand with business growth and transformation.
AWESOME
You also founded your own company, right?
Goeman
Yes, when my kids were very young, I took a break from the corporate world to start my own business. I wanted to make a real impact and do something meaningful. Running a business while managing motherhood was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Transitioning back to the corporate world was an adjustment, but I believe those varied experiences enrich our careers and set great examples for our kids.
AWESOME
That’s inspiring! Can you share a significant achievement in your career and what you learned from it?
Goeman
One major accomplishment has been developing our sustainability strategy at JAS. We’re a family-owned business with a foundation, and our employees worldwide can contribute to corporate volunteering projects. This community engagement, along with complying with global sustainability regulations and helping clients with their own sustainable choices, has been rewarding. It’s different from the typical freight-forwarding business model, and it resonates strongly with our clients and employees alike.
AWESOME
I love how that engages the entire community. So, I hear that you have extensive multicultural experiences. Can you share some of the challenges and benefits of that?
Goeman
My team is diverse, representing about nine different nationalities. Sustainability means different things in different regions, so it can be challenging to get everyone on the same page. But once they understand how they can contribute, they get enthusiastic. Each culture brings a unique perspective, which is invaluable for growth.
AWESOME
What do you think are some of the key challenges women in supply chain face?
Goeman
Visibility is key. At JAS, we started a women’s initiative, creating mentorship opportunities where experienced managers guide younger women. Women often face unique work-life balance challenges, so providing mentorship, networking, and decision-maker access is critical.
AWESOME
Speaking of mentorship, how has it influenced your career?
Goeman
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who challenge and guide me. Early in your career, mentorship helps you learn, and as you advance, it can provide career guidance and alignment. Women tend to focus on executing tasks diligently, but mentors can remind us that networking and self-promotion are just as essential.
AWESOME
Agreed! You also mentioned work-life balance. Do you have any strategies that have helped you manage?
Goeman
It’s a constant challenge, especially with demanding roles. Setting boundaries is important—being fully present with family, for instance, even if that means putting my phone away during family time. My kids quickly notice if I’m distracted by work, and they remind me to be present. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
AWESOME
What advice would you give to women aiming for leadership roles?
Goeman
Be yourself, take opportunities, and don’t be afraid of lateral moves or exploring other departments. Those experiences can enrich your career. It’s also valuable to develop expertise in a couple of areas you’re passionate about. For me, that’s sustainability, and I find it rewarding to build knowledge and make a positive impact.