Author: Rachael Moore I Head of Customer Operations
At Azarc, our mission is clear: to bring one of the most archaic and manual industries – global supply chain and logistics – into the modern world. But achieving this isn’t just about building cutting-edge technology but a truly digital-ready team.
Since joining Azarc, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering the right environment and investing in the right people can drive meaningful transformation. Here’s how we’ve approached preparing our teams and our customer’s teams to thrive in a digital-first world.
Collaboration is Key
One of the most powerful drivers of innovation at Azarc is collaboration. Our teams – spanning product, engineering, customer operations, and analytics – work together to ensure that the technology we develop solves real-world challenges. For example, when we developed Rune, our customs clearance solution, close collaboration across departments ensured we aligned technical capabilities with customer needs.
How you can apply this: Break down silos between departments. Encourage regular communication and idea-sharing to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
Leadership Shapes the Future
When I joined Azarc, one of my first tasks was to establish the Customer Operations team. Strong leadership has been critical to success, from hiring the right people to developing scalable processes. Building a team that could onboard and retain our first customers and exceed all targets didn’t happen by accident. It took a clear vision, strategic planning, and a commitment to empowering my team.
How you can apply this: Invest in developing leaders who can set a strong foundation for growth, inspire their teams, and lead them through change with confidence.
Digital Tools Simplify the Complex
At Azarc, we’re laser-focused on automating cumbersome, manual processes to make life easier for our customers. But that same principle applies internally. From operational frameworks to automated workflows, we’ve worked hard to ensure internal processes are as efficient as possible.
How you can apply this: Look for areas in your business where technology can reduce repetitive tasks. This frees up your team to focus on creative problem-solving and strategic projects.
Continuous Learning is a Non-Negotiable
The logistics industry is constantly evolving, and so are the technologies that support it. Staying ahead means never standing still. Actively encouraging professional development, whether that’s through formal education, certifications, or simply carving out time to explore new ideas is vital.
How you can apply this: Support your team in pursuing professional growth. This could mean funding courses, hosting workshops, or simply giving them the time and space to learn.
Put the Customer First
Our work revolves around making life easier for those in the global supply chain. Whether it’s ensuring smooth onboarding or collaborating with partners and customers to refine our solutions, their needs drive everything we do. With a firm understanding of the challenges our customers are facing, we’ve been able to create tools that genuinely make a difference – like automating customs clearance to reduce bottlenecks and save time.
How you can apply this: Always keep your customers’ needs at the heart of your digital transformation efforts. Ask for their feedback, involve them in testing, and ensure the tools you create add real value.
Adapt to Trends, Don’t Resist Them
The global trade and logistics industry is undergoing seismic shifts. Automating customs processes, reducing trade costs, and embracing greener technologies are no longer optional – they’re essential. To remain relevant in a competitive market, solutions need to align with these trends to help our customers stay ahead of the curve.
How you can apply this: Stay informed about the changes in your industry and proactively adapt your business to meet new demands. Involve your team in conversations about how to innovate and lead.
Building a digital-ready team isn’t just about the technology you adopt – it’s about the culture you create. Collaboration, leadership, continuous learning, and a focus on the customer are the true drivers of digital transformation.
If you’re looking to prepare your team for a digital-first world, start by focusing on your people. Empower them with the tools, skills, and mindset they need to thrive – and watch as they drive your business forward.
