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How to Succeed in a Male Dominated Industry

Angela Eliacostas is a female force in the male dominated logistics service sector

Angela Eliacostas is the Founder and CEO of AGT Global Logistics which is a woman-owned business providing outsourced logistic services to companies across the United States.

And whilst her award-winning firm supports top tier businesses in managing the way their resources are transported, under Angela’s helm, AGT Global Logistics has become known for its bespoke transportation programs, unrivaled solutions, rates and quality services.

Angela’s professional journey in the transportation industry has spanned an impressive 25 years. From sitting by her father’s side in his truck at only 12 years old, to launching her first women-owned business, All Girls Transportation & Logistics, in 2005,  Angela has risen through the ranks in an unstoppable way.

After AGT Global Logistics was born it was also subsequently named one of the top 50 woman-owned businesses in Illinois.

CEO and Founder of AGT Global Logistics, Angela Eliacostas

There’s nothing in the business that I haven’t done and nothing that I wouldn’t continue to do.

Here, Angela tells Nativa World about how she has navigated a male dominated workplace and how leading with humility and tenacity have contributed to her successful career…

Angela, what does the word ‘Achieve’ mean to you?

When I set out to start All Girls Transportation & Logistics (now AGT Global Logistics), I had one dream in mind: to become the largest woman-owned 3PL (third party logistics) company in the utility and energy industry. But to me, the word ‘Achieve’ means realizing your dreams, and then striving to be better. To achieve isn’t to reach a final destination and then to stop.

What’s your background?

Having been in the transportation and logistics industry for more than 25 years, I’ve done it all. Growing up, my father ran a trucking company and was on the road during most of the week. In order to spend some precious time with him, I’d help him out with the business. I’d help out with fueling, parking and washing trucks whilst learning all about the transportation business along the way.

What challenges did you face launching your business?

As a female in a male dominated industry, I always had to be sure to stay strong and earn respect from the people I’d encounter. Beyond that, I was a single mother of four young boys when I started my business, so juggling being at the helm of a startup and motherhood was a challenge many times.

In the transportation sector, which would be the main logistical challenges?

In my eyes, the main challenge 3PL companies face is finding the right group of employees and carriers. Your employees can make or break you. As far as carriers go, it all comes down to a shortage of supply. With this shortage, many carriers can name their price. So I see a lot of companies struggle with finding the right carriers at the right price. Especially when the drivers are tasked with going in and out of power plants because of high security levels.

I think it’s really important to ensure you don’t distance yourself too much from the team

Which leadership qualities do you think women bring to the table?

I truly believe that women tend to be better at multitasking. Especially in my industry, being able to multitask and foresee problems before they happen are absolutely key. And I’ve seen this first hand in my company.

However, I have men in the mix now. When I started, we were really ‘All Girls,’ and women still make up the majority of my company. I believe women work really well together because we tend to have better time management skills. I also believe that this helps women and men complement each other. What skills one person may lack can always be balanced by the skills of someone else on our team.

What makes a strong leader?

I think it’s really important to ensure you don’t distance yourself too much from the team – not just giving instruction. There’s nothing in the business that I haven’t done and nothing that I wouldn’t continue to do. From grabbing a phone call if my dispatchers are busy – to helping someone solve a hard quote or any problems.

What plans do you have for growth?

We’re continuing to grow the construction logistics division within our company. We’re expanding into construction dumping, picking up from material yards, bringing out materials – but all still within the utility industry. Beyond that, we’re continuing to grow in the construction logistics industry.

Any advice for women trying to make it to the top of a male dominated industry?

There will be a lot of frustrating times but just keep pushing! Believe in what you’re doing, whether male dominated or otherwise. Don’t ever show weakness. If you truly know the industry, you can always succeed!

How do you balance family with work?

I’m a grandmother now and so grandchildren don’t care how much work I have to do- they just want time with their grandma! But it all comes down to surrounding yourself with a team that you trust. That way you know good decisions will be made in your absence. Another way is to let the grandchildren come into the office every once-in-awhile. Although they often run around acting like they own the place!

Any tips for female entrepreneurs who are also mothers?

As much as it may seem you’re pushing them to the side while concentrating on the business, it’ll pay off in the long run. Also, it helps to incorporate your children into the business! Whether they help answer the phones or clean up around the office, hard work will only be a lesson to your children in what it means to run a business. Having my children’s support -because I included them from the beginning- was huge for me.

What do you miss most when you’re away from home on business?

The comfort of my own bed. I often have a hard time sleeping which means sometimes traveling with my pillow. I know that sounds crazy, but I’ve found that having a little part of home with me goes a long way. I often alleviate this by seeing the positive in the new things I’m experiencing and bringing that positiveness back home with me.

What beauty and fashion essentials are always in your handbag?

Vitamin C, a nail file, business cards, pen and paper, lip moisturizer and always, always always – coconut oil. I never go anywhere without coconut oil!

Angela’s Top Skills For Successful Leadership:

  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • Multitasking
  • Strategic relationship building
  • Decisiveness

Angela Eliacostas is the Founder and CEO of AGT Logistics in the USA

Photography courtesy of Angela Eliacostas