With images of towering cargo ships, massive warehouses, and the complex work of supply chains, the logistics industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, this narrative is shifting with the progressive mindset of people and big businesses who promote inclusivity and diversity, focusing more on fostering talent and skills and trusting women in leadership roles.
According to the World Economic Forum, the Philippines was among 18 countries in 2021 that had successfully closed at least 79.5% of economic participation and opportunity gaps. This progress toward inclusive development has enabled more Filipino women to join and take active roles in the labor market, including industries once dominated by men.
Today, major logistics companies like 2GO Group Inc. have launched initiatives such as leadership training, mentorship programs, and workplace accommodations to support women in the field.
The company has been supporting various industries, including trade, manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, among others, by providing reliable and efficient logistics services. Its services enable the seamless movement of goods and people, contributing to the country’s economic development and competitiveness in the global market. 2GO Group, Inc. stands as one of the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics providers, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s logistics sector. Its progressive approach to team-building has allowed the organization to achieve remarkable success in the logistics industry.
A significant part of this change are its women leaders that exemplify how diversity, skills, and a commitment to inclusivity are drivers of progress. Leading this transformation are Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions, and Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding, who share their vision for the industry and their progressive approach in leadership.
Female leaders navigating the high-pressure industry
Alonzo and Ngo emphasize the importance of resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration in leadership. Both believe that women bring unique strengths, such as multitasking, empathy, and attention to detail, that make them effective decision-makers in a high-pressure industry.
For Faye Alonzo, succeeding in logistics requires challenging the norm and being able to make critical decisions under pressure. “This job requires you to make decisions, and deciding is a decision itself,” she explains. She believes that women are inherently resilient and have the ability to innovate and adapt to evolving industry demands. “Women can survive and have resilience—it’s innate. You have to love what you do and have fun doing it. Then it will feel like it’s not ‘work’ anymore.
Sharon Musngi-Ngo echoes the importance of self-awareness and growth in leadership. She advises aspiring female leaders to focus on their strengths while also being mindful of areas for improvement. “Identify your strength and interest. Don’t forget your weaknesses, but focus on what you do best. If you’re doing what you’re good at, you will naturally gravitate toward the right opportunities and provide the most value to your company,” she shares.
Both leaders highlight the distinct advantages that women bring to the logistics industry. According to Faye, the ability to multitask, collaborate, and empathize is what makes women highly effective leaders.
“This is a highly relational business, and trust is crucial when dealing with clients and partners. Women also bring a different perspective to problem-solving. Logistics is not for the weak-hearted—you need passion, dedication, and innovation to create solutions for customers,” she shares.
She also emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leading teams. “You need a high level of emotional intelligence to manage teams, keep morale high, and ensure that your people are just as passionate and dedicated as you. This directly reflects on the kind of service extended to customers,” she adds.
Sharon Musngi-Ngo believes that women’s attention to detail, adaptability, and collaborative leadership styles create a balanced approach to decision-making. “My style has always been collaborative. I listen to my team, rely on their expertise, and ensure that we come up with the best solutions together. You have to be adaptable, resilient, and decisive,” she shares.
Balancing leadership and motherhood
For both Faye and Sharon, success in their careers goes hand in hand with personal fulfillment. As a mother of three, Faye has mastered the art of balancing career and family responsibilities through careful planning, prioritization, and a strong support system.
“When my girls were growing up, I learned to be efficient with my time and to delegate effectively. I surround myself with good people whom I trust,” she shares.
For Sharon, being a wife and mother of three fuels her passion for leadership. “My family inspires me. I want to be a role model to my children, but I also make sure to pursue my personal goals. At work, I see myself as a mother figure, ensuring that my team members are placed in roles where their strengths shine,” she explains.
Both emphasizing balancing work and life is about finding what works for you and not being afraid to ask for help.
2GO Group in shaping the future of leadership
2GO Group, Inc. champions inclusivity by fostering an environment where women are empowered through trust, mentorship, and equal opportunities. By investing in leadership development and creating a culture that values talent over gender, the company has cultivated strong leaders who drive both personal and business success.
Faye and Sharon attribute their leadership growth to 2GO’s strong support system and inclusive culture. “2GO has empowered me to run the business and trusted me with people who will help me. That trust and empowerment have been instrumental in bringing 2GO to where it is today,” Faye shares.
Sharon highlights that 2GO fosters a workplace where talent and capability take precedence over gender. “Being with 2GO for many years, I feel very supported by the whole ecosystem—the leadership, the ownership, and the entire team. Everybody’s rooting for my success,” she shares.
The company’s mentorship programs and training initiatives aim to help employees become the best versions of themselves. “2GO provides many training programs to help employees grow. The goal is to develop talent, ensure we are in the right roles, and create strong networks within and outside the organization,” she explains.
The rise of women leaders in logistics is not just a reflection of progress but also of the power of inclusivity and equal opportunities in the workplace. These testimonials highlight that resilience, adaptability, and collaboration are key to thriving in high-pressure industries; paving the way for future generations to break barriers and redefine what it means to lead.
