A day in the life of Kaj Vollenhoven

Kaj Vollenhoven joined Ahlers in 2018. He is the Project Manager, helping our team to grow in Eurasian and Southest Asian market. Meet Kaj through a series of questions and answers. 

Current job

  • What is your current position? Project Manager Eurasian & Southeast Asian Markets
  • What responsibilities does it entail? To oversee and coordinate all project activities, ensuring successful execution of our growth plans in these regions.
  • What is an average day like in your current position? An average day involves a lot of communication and planning. I lead meetings, coordinate with teams in different regions, track project progress, and address any challenges that arise to ensure successful project delivery. 

Beginnings

  • What is your (educational) background? Bachelor's degree in European Studies at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
  • How did you get started in the industry? Always dreamt of investing my energy in improving the relationship between Russia and Europe somehow. After discovering the public sector, I ended up feeling comfortable within the private sector and Ahlers provided me the opportunity to realize this dream. This motivated me to learn everything there is about the industry!
  • What positions have you held before this one? I joined Ahlers nearly fresh out of University, and, at first, gained experience as a customer service specialist at a brick production factory. I was responsible for managing the local deliveries on time for the workers out in the field for road construction.
  • Do you have a mentor or someone that significantly helped you get to where you are today? Listing all the people I learn and take advice from would take forever. I enjoy connecting with people and understanding where their successes and motivation come from. That way I collect as many points of view as possible to make decisions for our team, for our customers, and of course for myself.

Evolution

  • How has your field evolved since you began?
    Continuously? I started in 2018, perfect timing to still learn about the industry in more stable waters before we ended up in the dynamics we experience today. Availability of containers, rates of transportation (via land, sea, or air), or even geographical access to international logistics are all changing day to day.
  • How do you see it evolving further?
    Anyone with a reliable answer to this question would be able to start a highly successful consultancy company, don't you think? There will always be turbulent times and new challenges arising, hence it is important as a company to stay agile. Stay informed, listen to your customers & partners, think critically, and be ready to act.  
  • What changes would you like to see?
    The global political shift towards cooperation, plus a joint care for the planet.

 

Company

  • What makes your company different from its competitors?
    Ahlers is a company built on family values. This reflects in the internal opportunities and room for individual ambitions, but just as important, this fuels the care our people have for their customers and the projects they feel responsible for. Ahlers stands together with her customers, we strive to understand their business and their needs and we take care of local compliance to protect the business of our customers.  

Social

  • What do you like most about your job?
    My motivation lies in learning, making a difference, and help others excel. In my current position, I can work on all three of these, so I have no problem waking up in the morning.
  • What would you like people to know about your job?
    The team in Klaipeda is a rich pool of experience in the industry. Each member is packed with 15+ years of experience in the field with a global network. Working with them is inspiring and I strive to highlight their value for Ahlers in many ways possible!
  • What do you think the industry could do to attract more youths?
    My father worked as an international driver. As a little kid, I read his favorite slogan of the industry everywhere: “without transport, everything stands still”. The industry does not always fit a 9-17 work mentality, which is becoming a larger demand for the youth, who are motivated to find the right work-life balance. Thinking outside the box to facilitate clear availability vs business need would be a great step forward to attract more youth.
  • What do you do when you are not in the office?
    Love exploring, so in my free time I usually walk/cycle/drive to new areas where I haven’t been yet to discover and enjoy regional sightings. It’s also not a secret that I enjoy “going for a beer” with whoever wants to join me, so herewith is an open invitation!