Kulsum’s path in IT and Logistics is marked by resilience and adaptability, highlighting the importance of diverse viewpoints in fostering innovation and growth within any industry. Her experiences offer a compelling illustration of how varied perspectives can enrich a professional landscape. Following our recent interview with Yifen Liu, a UI/UX Designer at Saloodo!, we continue to explore the significant roles women play in the logistics industry. Join us as we delve into the unique experiences and contributions of Kulsum, where her insights as a QA Engineer underscore the value of diverse talent in shaping the future of the logistics sector.
Who are you?
I am Kulsum Siddiqui, a 30-year-old female working with Saloodo! for the past year. I consider myself an independent, strong, and confident woman in both work and life.
What is your position at Saloodo!?
My position at Saloodo! is QA Engineer (Automation).
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your working field and how have you overcome them?
One challenge I’ve faced is feeling invisible in a sea of mostly male colleagues. To overcome this issue, I had to learn how to speak up confidently and use my body language to communicate effectively.
How has Saloodo!’s commitment to diversity and inclusion impacted your experience in the company?
Saloodo!’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has made me feel very comfortable. When I joined the company, I was happy to see diversity in Saloodo!. I was able to interact and understand different views and opinions.
“I could see faces from all over the globe, which made me feel included.”
In what ways do you believe that having a diverse leadership team benefits Saloodo! and its clients?
The diverse leadership in Saloodo! makes the organizational culture such that promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Having leaders and teammates with the same personality or behavioral characteristics becomes boring after a while. Diversity creates more engagement and more energy. The more energy the team has, the more creative and effective it will be. The different perspectives allow them to see a situation from multiple angles so that they can make better decisions. A cohesive and diverse leadership team in which members can have open and candid conversations from different vantage points can help organizations boost innovation, attract top talent and appeal to inclusion-focused customers.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the logistics industry over the next decade?
In the next decade, I see more women engaging in the logistics industry.
How has mentorship played a role in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my career. By receiving good guidance regarding my work approach, I have experienced substantial growth. I have successfully advanced my career in my current role and learned many essential things for my career journey. The right mentorship has helped me pursue my career in the right direction and achieve my dreams of independence, allowing me to be helpful to my dear ones and society. I’m grateful to receive a great mentorship from my seniors.
What advice would you give to young women who are starting their careers in logistics?
Believe in yourself when opportunities come along. Making an attempt is important even if the result is not positive. Embrace learning new things. We work in a fast-paced and evolving industry. Choose an organization that recognizes your value.
Thank you, Kulsum for your time & effort to participate in our interview!
