At Secure Logistics, we believe in equal opportunities for everyone. In our organization, it’s not about gender but about talent, skills, and the willingness to grow. We create a work environment where everyone is valued and given the space to develop. This also applies to the broader logistics sector, which has traditionally been male-dominated. However, we see more and more women advancing and making a lasting impact. One of them is our Commercial Director, Brenda van Leeuwen.
With an impressive career at companies such as Philips, Eurail, and Sunweb Group, and as a member of SER Top Women, she has a clear vision on career growth: work from your own strengths, beliefs, and values, rather than focusing on gender differences.
"You have to claim your own space!"
Brenda started her career as a junior product manager at Philips. “My manager gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the space to grow. But you have to claim that space yourself,” she says. “I never consciously focused on the gender theme until I got involved in diversity groups. That’s when I realized that for many women, this is a real challenge. Why had I never struggled with it? I asked myself that question. That was an eye-opener.”
Her drive was always to prove herself, regardless of gender. “I simply didn’t want to be less than anyone else and wanted to follow my own path,” says Brenda. This realization motivated her to join SER Top Women, a network committed to greater diversity at the top of the corporate world. “I became a member to engage in conversations with other women, to learn from their experiences, and to coach them. The younger generation sees the world differently, and I want to learn from them as well. The themes change, and it’s important to adapt flexibly.”
Advice for (young) women: focus on your strengths, not the differences
“My biggest advice? Don’t think in terms of men or women—focus on your own strengths,” Brenda emphasizes. “Don’t work in teams where your values don’t align. That applies to everyone, regardless of gender. If you believe in yourself and follow your own path, opportunities will naturally come your way.”
She acknowledges that work ethics are changing and that diversity is becoming increasingly important. “We should reflect more often on the different backgrounds and experiences people bring. It enriches both individuals and companies.”
When asked if she had a role model, Brenda answers without hesitation: “My managers! They gave me confidence and showed me that you can make an impact by investing in people.” That lesson still influences her leadership style today.
Inclusion at Secure Logistics: Respect and Opportunities for Everyone
At Secure Logistics, we work every day towards an inclusive and fair work environment. “We have a diverse team and respect and value everyone,” says Brenda. “I believe we should take even more time to acknowledge and appreciate the different backgrounds and experiences people bring. It’s not just about who you are, but also about what you contribute.”
A concrete example of inclusion at Secure Logistics? “We look beyond job titles. If you are good at something or want to develop yourself, we give you the opportunity to grow. This can be through education, but I personally believe more in ‘training on the job,’ for example, through participation in working groups. That too is a form of diversity.”
International Women's Day: A Message for Everyone
“People are at their best when they stay true to themselves. Be curious about others, because that is also diversity and inclusion! Don’t assume things, but pay attention to one another. Think about cause and effect—what is the real impact of something?”
Brenda also emphasizes the importance of respecting choices. “Not everyone has the same ambitions or goals, and that is completely fine. Diversity also means accepting that people choose their own paths.” Whether you aspire to reach the top or take a different direction, the most important thing is to stand behind your own choices. “Respect yourself and others, and don’t make things more difficult than necessary. If it’s your choice, then it’s the right one.”
As a closing remark, she shares a fitting quote from Pippi Longstocking: "I've never done it before, so I think I can do it!" A quote that perfectly sums up her own career: “Just do it and learn from the experience.”
