In this edition of The Voice of Atlas, we sit down with Najoua Kahila, founder of Star Shipping in Sousse, Tunisia. With nearly three decades of experience in logistics, Najoua has built her career on dedication, resilience, and a passion for customer service. From her early days in sales to establishing her own company, her journey is an inspiring example of how determination and vision can shape success in the logistics world.
Tell us a bit about how your journey in logistics began – was it something you always planned, or did it take you by surprise?
I began my career in 1997 at Graveleau as a Sales Manager, later moving into the role of Air-Sea Manager. In 2002, I joined DHL Tunisia as Sales Director, and in 2008 I became Branch Manager for Sousse & Gafsa. At the end of 2015, I took the leap and founded my own company, Star Shipping Tunisia.
Could you describe a difficult moment in your career that shaped the way you work today?
I faced challenges with operational services, as many customers struggled to track their shipments and often encountered anomalies. Following these incidents, I decided to create a professional service dedicated to tracking operations, with the goal of providing greater reliability and ensuring customer satisfaction.
What trends or technologies are you most excited (or concerned) about in logistics right now?
Right now, I’m most excited about the possibility of working directly online — whether through the systems of shipping companies or airline companies. Having this kind of digital access makes processes faster, easier, and more transparent for both us and our customers.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
My advice would be to always put the customer first. Make it your priority to keep them informed of every detail, and never stop updating yourself in your work. Staying attentive and proactive is the key to building trust and long-lasting relationships.
Looking ahead 5 years, what would “success” in logistics look like for your company or the industry as a whole?
Looking ahead, I hope the logistics field will become one of the most important industries in the world. For my company, success would mean growing stronger, with more agencies and trusted agents supporting us. That kind of expansion would allow us to serve our customers even better and reach new opportunities.
You’ve been with us for a few months now – how has your journey been so far? Any highlights or surprises?
So far, there haven’t been any surprises or major progress — I’m still waiting for news and updates. I’m hopeful that more developments will come soon.
If you had to describe this network to a new contact or colleague in one sentence, what would you say?
It’s an honorable and professional network.
What’s a surprising skill, passion or hobby you have outside of work?
Outside of work, I truly enjoy spending quality time with my family — it’s what recharges me.
Thank you, Najoua, for sharing your story with us.