Say hello to Olivia: Stockwells’ newest team member!
Meet Olivia Skondras-Stevens, our dynamic National Sales Executive at Stockwells, based in our Sydney office. With a passion for problem-solving and building meaningful connections, Olivia thrives on helping businesses navigate the complexities of freight forwarding. When she’s not connecting with clients, you’ll likely find her enjoying time at nearby beaches or exploring new destinations abroad.
We sat down with Olivia, to discuss her journey in the industry, her approach to customer relationships, and what excites her most about her role at Stockwells. Keep reading to learn more about how she’s driving connections and growth in a constantly evolving sector.
Q. Could you share a bit about your career journey and what ultimately led you to join Stockwells?
Olivia: I’ve been working in freight forwarding for the past five years. It was an industry I almost fell into accidentally, but I’ve really enjoyed it over the years. There’s always a problem to solve or something new to explore, which I really enjoy about this industry.
I wanted to expand my opportunities, and through Stockwells—considering their legacy and years in the industry—I saw a fantastic next step in my career. They have a wide range of offices across Australia and New Zealand.
Q. Could you tell us a bit about what your role entails?
Olivia: It involves connecting with clients and identifying businesses that may be importing or exporting to and from Australia, and seeing how we can help. It’s not just about offering a service or moving freight from point A to point B. It’s about providing a solution, looking after their needs, and seeing how we can further support them.
It also involves developing new customer relationships that we can build on. I think a key aspect is building strong relationships with customers. We’re not just always talking about freight—it’s important to connect on a more personal level as well.
Q. What are you most excited about in your role?
Olivia: I think what excites me most is getting to meet new people, working with new importers and exporters, and seeing how we can help facilitate their journey. It’s about taking businesses that may currently be struggling with their service and transferring them to a more family-focused service. I also enjoy consulting with them to explore how we can improve other areas of their business—whether it’s about where they’re importing from or exporting to, which manufacturers they might be using, or other aspects. It’s all about building those relationships.
Q. Why do you believe customer service is so essential?
Olivia: I think it’s really important that when you’re dealing with a freight forwarder, you know exactly who you’re dealing with behind the screen. Whether we’re meeting clients face to face or having an interactive online video, it’s crucial that we’re not just a name, but that they also recognise our face.
Once you establish that face-to-face connection, it really helps build a relationship. Also,if they ever have an issue, they know exactly who to call. I’ve heard from many clients that a common problem with other forwarders was that they didn’t know who was looking after them or who to reach out to, as it was often just a company name.
Q. What do you think are the key factors in building strong relationships with clients?
Olivia: I think definitely going out and seeing them, meeting them face-to-face, or taking a moment to just touch base. Not just diving straight into business, but starting with small things like asking how their weekend was. Just little things like that, so the client knows you actually care. It’s a human approach.
Q. The freight forwarding industry is always evolving. How do you keep yourself informed and adapt to these changes?
Olivia: I’m always keeping an eye out for the latest market updates, trends, and any new developments, like emerging import or export trends. I think staying on top of the latest trade shows and industry events is also really important. Additionally, keeping up with technology is crucial because I believe technology will transform a lot of the freight forwarding industry.
Q. What are some key lessons you’ve learned so far in your role?
Olivia: I’ve learned the importance of a family business legacy and how crucial it is to uphold. I can see the care everyone has—not just for our clients, but for employees and other external stakeholders as well.
Q. To wrap up, we’d love to get to know you a bit more personally. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Olivia: I love travelling. I enjoy exploring new countries overseas and also relaxing at the beach on a sunny day.
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We’re excited to have Olivia on board as part of the Stockwells team, bringing her expertise, passion, and commitment to building meaningful connections. With her strong background in freight forwarding and customer service, she’s sure to make a significant impact in helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Stay tuned as Olivia continues to drive growth, foster relationships, and contribute to Stockwells’ legacy. We’re looking forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in her new role!