{"id":57907,"date":"2024-04-05T08:58:40","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T12:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/?post_type=insight&#038;p=57907"},"modified":"2024-04-30T05:51:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T09:51:52","slug":"logistics-is-the-endurance-challenge","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/insights\/logistics-is-the-endurance-challenge","title":{"rendered":"Logistics is the endurance challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"interior-page-block-area\">\n\t\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dries-de-love\/\">Dries De Love<\/a> has served as Radial Europe&#8217;s CEO since 2019. Here we talk with him about his perspective on leadership and the art of building relationships with customers and employees. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-list-block\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#Endurance\">Endurance and resilience in work and sport<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Journey\">A journey of continuous improvement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Building\">Building trust and forging bonds in logistics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Cultivating\">Cultivating a culture of learning<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Fostering\">Fostering development and unity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Inspirational\">Inspirational reads: Dries&#8217;s picks<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Endurance\">Endurance and resilience in work and sport<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Dries, you are a seasoned executive leading Radial\u2019s operations in Europe, but you are also an accomplished athlete. How does your sporting experiences influence your work?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: I love endurance sports, which involve rigorous, daily training for one or two races a year. It has a lot in common with running logistics activities. In endurance sports, as in warehouses, nobody sees what you do. You train alone as you work in facilities without windows. It takes a lot of time and <strong>daily effort<\/strong> to reach a specific goal. You need to train and develop yourself as you push process improvements to gain percentages each day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/ecommerce-fulfilment\">What we do<\/a> in Radial is like training for an endurance race. Our everyday work in logistics often goes unnoticed, but if we constantly improve, even by just 1% daily, we will <strong>achieve long-term success<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>I crashed pretty hard last year during the race. <strong>Accepting setbacks<\/strong> is crucial, but what matters most is the resilience to rise again and work even harder. It&#8217;s a painful journey, particularly mentally; it kills you. But it&#8217;s through these challenges that we emerge stronger and better than before.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_small\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_Cape-omslag-aspect-ratio-47-30-564x360.jpg, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_Cape-omslag-aspect-ratio-47-30-1128x720.jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_Cape-omslag-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_Cape-omslag-aspect-ratio-47-30-1880x1200.jpg 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_Cape-omslag-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\">\r\n<\/picture>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Dries (on the right) with his teammate at The Absa Cape Epic, the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors cat\u00e9gorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI); this official UCI status makes it a highlight on the professional racer&#8217;s calendar.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Journey\">A journey of continuous improvement<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Setting goals, resilience, and facing challenges are integral to effective leadership. What does leadership mean to you?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: Leadership, to me, is about setting a good example. It involves continually questioning, challenging, and improving oneself. Five years back, I wasn\u2019t the man I am now. Five years from now, I won&#8217;t be the man I am today. Constant<strong> self-improvement <\/strong>is key, and making mistakes is an inherent part of the process. I encourage those who report to me to evaluate my leadership. Though it&#8217;s not always easy, I value their feedback and consider it the cornerstone of my ongoing development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: You are strongly committed to continuous improvement. How does this dedication translate into the strategies and practices within Radial?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: At Radial, we build <strong>personalised solutions<\/strong> and a perfect supply chain for every one of our customers, and we improve it constantly as our customers\u2019 requirements change over time. Radial pushes the personalisation of the supply chain to the maximum. Everything we do is based on customer information. We challenge ourselves. We try to find out what our customers want and make it the basis for our improvement. And it works. We become better and better. We have continued to grow double-digit year on year since 2018. My goal for the next few years is to sustain this growth, perhaps even exceeding it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"quote-block no-image\">\n\t        <div class=\"quote-block__left animate\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"84\" height=\"55\" viewBox=\"0 0 84 55\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M62.0658 55C57.9497 55 54.4023 53.9562 51.4236 51.8686C48.4449 49.7275 46.1431 46.9708 44.5184 43.5985C42.9478 40.2263 42.1625 36.6131 42.1625 32.7591C42.1625 26.0146 44.4642 19.7251 49.0677 13.8905C53.6712 8.05596 59.412 3.42579 66.2901 0L84 10.1168C79.9381 11.9367 76.2553 14.1582 72.9516 16.781C69.648 19.4039 67.2921 22.455 65.8839 25.9343C69.5667 26.6302 72.735 28.1825 75.3888 30.5912C78.0967 32.9465 79.4507 36.0511 79.4507 39.9051C79.4507 44.0803 77.7988 47.6399 74.4952 50.5839C71.1915 53.528 67.0484 55 62.0658 55ZM19.9033 55C15.7872 55 12.2398 53.9562 9.26112 51.8686C6.2824 49.7275 3.98066 46.9708 2.3559 43.5985C0.785299 40.2263 0 36.6131 0 32.7591C0 26.0146 2.30174 19.7251 6.90522 13.8905C11.5087 8.05596 17.2495 3.42579 24.1277 0L41.8375 10.1168C37.7756 11.9367 34.0928 14.1582 30.7892 16.781C27.4855 19.4039 25.1296 22.455 23.7215 25.9343C27.4043 26.6302 30.5725 28.1825 33.2263 30.5912C35.9342 32.9465 37.2882 36.0511 37.2882 39.9051C37.2882 44.0803 35.6364 47.6399 32.3327 50.5839C29.029 53.528 24.8859 55 19.9033 55Z\" fill=\"#0070c0\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"quote-block__right animate\">\n\t\t\t                <q class=\"quote-block__quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We push the personalisation of the supply chain to the maximum, and it works. We continue to grow over 20% year on year.\u00a0My goal is to sustain this double-digit growth, perhaps even exceed it.<\/p>\n                <\/q>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n            <div class=\"quote-block__profesional-title\">\n\t\t\t\tDries De Love\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Building\"> Building trust and forging bonds<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Why do you believe companies or the individuals behind them choose to collaborate?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: Companies do not work with companies; it&#8217;s people who work with people. <strong>Trust is the basis of everything.<\/strong> Choosing a new logistics provider is a long-term commitment, much like a marriage. You do not only sign a contract for a few years. You need to partner up in order to constantly search for improvements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: How do you establish trust?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: Allow me to illustrate with our example. Based on available information, <strong>we can develop a tailored supply chain solution for a customer within six months<\/strong>. However, as time progresses, we gather more insights about the customer, and we can refine and enhance our solutions further. We continuously challenge ourselves to improve and innovate. When customers perceive us as such a company, they will choose us, and we will work together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: What sets Radial apart from other companies?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: <strong>We serve people.<\/strong> We care about the wellbeing and development of our employees, as well as the sustainability and quality of the services we provide to our customers. Through a culture of transparent communication and active collaboration, we cultivate an environment where feedback is valued, and innovation thrives. We create value together with our clients, and our NPS confirms their satisfaction. We put the bar very high and we are steadily moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/case-study\/radials-automation-partnership-with-doterra\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/files\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57972 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-270x360.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-540x720.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-471x628.jpg 471w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-942x1256.jpg 942w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-561x748.jpg 561w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-1122x1496.jpg 1122w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-173x230.jpg 173w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-345x460.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-600x800.jpg 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56w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-108x144.jpg 108w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-216x288.jpg 216w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-94x125.jpg 94w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-188x250.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-375x500.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-469x625.jpg 469w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-938x1251.jpg 938w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-990x1320.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-690x920.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-171x228.jpg 171w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-342x456.jpg 342w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-806x1075.jpg 806w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-353x470.jpg 353w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-705x940.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-769x1025.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-384x512.jpg 384w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-633x844.jpg 633w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-141x188.jpg 141w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-282x376.jpg 282w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-389x518.jpg 389w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-777x1036.jpg 777w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-263x350.jpg 263w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-525x700.jpg 525w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-35x46.jpg 35w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2-69x92.jpg 69w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/05\/Dries_Anna_doTERRA_2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Cultivating\">Cultivating a culture of learning<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"883\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/files\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-883x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58095 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-883x1024.jpg 883w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-259x300.jpg 259w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-768x891.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-517x600.jpg 517w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-1035x1200.jpg 1035w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-310x360.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-621x720.jpg 621w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-541x628.jpg 541w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-1083x1256.jpg 1083w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-645x748.jpg 645w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-198x230.jpg 198w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-397x460.jpg 397w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-345x400.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-690x800.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-212x246.jpg 212w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-424x492.jpg 424w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-285x330.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-569x660.jpg 569w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-388x450.jpg 388w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-776x900.jpg 776w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-379x440.jpg 379w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-759x880.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-65x75.jpg 65w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-129x150.jpg 129w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-124x144.jpg 124w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-248x288.jpg 248w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-108x125.jpg 108w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-216x250.jpg 216w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-431x500.jpg 431w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-469x544.jpg 469w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-938x1088.jpg 938w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-1138x1320.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-793x920.jpg 793w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-197x228.jpg 197w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-393x456.jpg 393w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-927x1075.jpg 927w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-552x640.jpg 552w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-1104x1280.jpg 1104w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-405x470.jpg 405w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-810x940.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-884x1025.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-441x512.jpg 441w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-364x422.jpg 364w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-728x844.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-162x188.jpg 162w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-324x376.jpg 324w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-447x518.jpg 447w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-893x1036.jpg 893w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-302x350.jpg 302w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-604x700.jpg 604w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-176x204.jpg 176w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-352x408.jpg 352w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-40x46.jpg 40w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event-79x92.jpg 79w, https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dries_event.jpg 1151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 883px) 100vw, 883px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: To aim high, innovation is crucial. What does Radial do to stay an innovative company?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: <strong>We allow people to make mistakes.<\/strong> In fact, we encourage experimentation and learning from errors. No one has ever been dismissed for making mistakes. Instead, we see them as valuable lessons to share with the team, helping us prevent future occurrences. That is the basis of an innovative mindset. Without innovation, we would not stand where we are now. Our NPS and employee engagement are outstanding. This is the key to growth. Unhappy employees are not going to deliver happy customers\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: What is the biggest challenge you have faced heading Radial Europe?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: Implementing a culture of mutual care and embracing the opportunity for mistakes within an environment where the<strong> customer is the centre <\/strong>of everything. Today, I focus on maintaining this culture and making it the company&#8217;s backbone. We can strengthen and reinforce this message by fostering collaboration amongst our team members, making it integral to everyone&#8217;s mindset and actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"quote-block no-image\">\n\t        <div class=\"quote-block__left animate\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"84\" height=\"55\" viewBox=\"0 0 84 55\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M62.0658 55C57.9497 55 54.4023 53.9562 51.4236 51.8686C48.4449 49.7275 46.1431 46.9708 44.5184 43.5985C42.9478 40.2263 42.1625 36.6131 42.1625 32.7591C42.1625 26.0146 44.4642 19.7251 49.0677 13.8905C53.6712 8.05596 59.412 3.42579 66.2901 0L84 10.1168C79.9381 11.9367 76.2553 14.1582 72.9516 16.781C69.648 19.4039 67.2921 22.455 65.8839 25.9343C69.5667 26.6302 72.735 28.1825 75.3888 30.5912C78.0967 32.9465 79.4507 36.0511 79.4507 39.9051C79.4507 44.0803 77.7988 47.6399 74.4952 50.5839C71.1915 53.528 67.0484 55 62.0658 55ZM19.9033 55C15.7872 55 12.2398 53.9562 9.26112 51.8686C6.2824 49.7275 3.98066 46.9708 2.3559 43.5985C0.785299 40.2263 0 36.6131 0 32.7591C0 26.0146 2.30174 19.7251 6.90522 13.8905C11.5087 8.05596 17.2495 3.42579 24.1277 0L41.8375 10.1168C37.7756 11.9367 34.0928 14.1582 30.7892 16.781C27.4855 19.4039 25.1296 22.455 23.7215 25.9343C27.4043 26.6302 30.5725 28.1825 33.2263 30.5912C35.9342 32.9465 37.2882 36.0511 37.2882 39.9051C37.2882 44.0803 35.6364 47.6399 32.3327 50.5839C29.029 53.528 24.8859 55 19.9033 55Z\" fill=\"#0070c0\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"quote-block__right animate\">\n\t\t\t                <q class=\"quote-block__quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We allow people to make mistakes. In fact, we encourage experimentation and learning from errors. That is the basis of an innovative mindset.<\/p>\n                <\/q>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n            <div class=\"quote-block__profesional-title\">\n\t\t\t\tDries De Love\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Fostering\">Fostering development and unity<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Why do you believe culture is the most important element?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: <strong>Culture is, for me, essential.<\/strong> Anybody can invest in a warehouse and implement a WMS system, but installing a culture is an entirely different thing. In a company with more than 1000 people, I cannot make every decision. In fact, I don&#8217;t want to do it. A strong company culture <strong>empowers people<\/strong> to make informed decisions that are aligned with our vision. Moreover, if you make the decision, then you will support it 100%. When individuals are clear about the company&#8217;s direction, they feel confident in taking ownership of decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"quote-block no-image\">\n\t        <div class=\"quote-block__left animate\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"84\" height=\"55\" viewBox=\"0 0 84 55\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M62.0658 55C57.9497 55 54.4023 53.9562 51.4236 51.8686C48.4449 49.7275 46.1431 46.9708 44.5184 43.5985C42.9478 40.2263 42.1625 36.6131 42.1625 32.7591C42.1625 26.0146 44.4642 19.7251 49.0677 13.8905C53.6712 8.05596 59.412 3.42579 66.2901 0L84 10.1168C79.9381 11.9367 76.2553 14.1582 72.9516 16.781C69.648 19.4039 67.2921 22.455 65.8839 25.9343C69.5667 26.6302 72.735 28.1825 75.3888 30.5912C78.0967 32.9465 79.4507 36.0511 79.4507 39.9051C79.4507 44.0803 77.7988 47.6399 74.4952 50.5839C71.1915 53.528 67.0484 55 62.0658 55ZM19.9033 55C15.7872 55 12.2398 53.9562 9.26112 51.8686C6.2824 49.7275 3.98066 46.9708 2.3559 43.5985C0.785299 40.2263 0 36.6131 0 32.7591C0 26.0146 2.30174 19.7251 6.90522 13.8905C11.5087 8.05596 17.2495 3.42579 24.1277 0L41.8375 10.1168C37.7756 11.9367 34.0928 14.1582 30.7892 16.781C27.4855 19.4039 25.1296 22.455 23.7215 25.9343C27.4043 26.6302 30.5725 28.1825 33.2263 30.5912C35.9342 32.9465 37.2882 36.0511 37.2882 39.9051C37.2882 44.0803 35.6364 47.6399 32.3327 50.5839C29.029 53.528 24.8859 55 19.9033 55Z\" fill=\"#0070c0\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"quote-block__right animate\">\n\t\t\t                <q class=\"quote-block__quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Culture is, for me, essential. A strong culture empowers people to make informed decisions aligned with the company&#8217;s vision and feel confident in taking ownership.<\/p>\n                <\/q>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n            <div class=\"quote-block__profesional-title\">\n\t\t\t\tDries De Love\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t        <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: How does the company culture contribute to employee satisfaction?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: If we look at our eNPS (employee happiness index), which we measure twice a year, it tells us they are happy. Secondly, people do not leave the company. The fact that many of us remain with Radial for an average of 15 years suggests that there are aspects people genuinely enjoy. I&#8217;m having fun as well. I wouldn&#8217;t work in a place where the fun factor is absent. We work hard, and we play hard. Radial&#8217;s investments and rapid growth ensure opportunities for advancement and internal promotion. Our culture encourages<strong> career development. <\/strong>People can explore different roles and <strong>grow<\/strong> within the company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Your description of relationships within the company resonates with family dynamics, where individuals care for each other, grow, make mistakes, have fun and form lasting bonds.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: Some people call it a family, I don\u2019t know if that is the right term. But you do see some strong connection and collaboration, and the group is strongly tied together. If you see us playing football, there&#8217;s a tangible sense of cohesion and unity. We are bound by<strong> shared values <\/strong>and <strong>genuine care <\/strong>for one another. Somebody falls. Somebody else picks him up. When we start a new operation, people from all over Europe come to help. They come because of the <strong>joy of sharing<\/strong>. It is not money that drives them; it is the culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_small\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Football_team-aspect-ratio-47-30-564x360.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<source data-image-size=\"image_block_large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Football_team-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Football_team-aspect-ratio-47-30-940x600.jpg\">\r\n<\/picture>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Radial&#8217;s team at the first &#8220;Radial Football Tournament&#8221;, 2023<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-heading-block\" data-heading-level=\"2\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Inspirational\"> Inspirational reads: Dries&#8217;s picks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: You recently shared with your team the book \u201cStart with Why\u201d by <a href=\"https:\/\/simonsinek.com\/\">Simon Sinek<\/a>, which undoubtedly impacted the business world. What other books inspire you?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries: I like to read books that show, via cases, the complexities of human behaviour and its influence on our world. I found <strong>&#8220;The Tipping Point&#8221;<\/strong> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gladwellbooks.com\/\">Malcolm Gladwell <\/a>particularly insightful. I came across it through the CEO of one of our valued customers. It\u2019s about understanding why and how things happen, the influence, trends, and dynamics that cause change, the speakers and their roles and power. It inspired me, deepening my understanding of our customers&#8217; and employees&#8217; needs, while effectively navigating market dynamics, driving change, and fostering innovation within our organisation. You need to read it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><em>Joanna: Dries, thank you for sharing your thoughts on leadership, innovation and understanding human behaviour. Radial&#8217;s success thrives on its people-centric culture and dedication to continuous improvement. Your insights are a direction for companies striving for excellence in today&#8217;s dynamic landscape.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dries-de-love\/\">Dries De Love<\/a>, Executive Vice President, Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"core-paragraph-block\">\n<p>Dries leads Radial\u2019s European operations. He is responsible for fulfillment, transportation, customer care and omnichannel technology divisions. Before joining Radial, Dries led his own consultancy business, assisting leading European retailers with their logistics needs. With a wealth of fulfillment experience, Dries also held senior positions at global logistics and port operator, Katoen Natie. Dries earned a Master&#8217;s in economic studies from the EHSAL management school and a Master&#8217;s in General Management from the Vlerick Business School.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","insight_type":[],"solution":[399],"class_list":["post-57907","insight","type-insight","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/57907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/insight"}],"version-history":[{"count":76,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/57907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59728,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight\/57907\/revisions\/59728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"insight_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight_type?post=57907"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.radial.com\/eur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/solution?post=57907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}